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THE 

PROBATIONER'S 
COMPANION  .  . 


With  STUDIES  in    ,     . 
PILGRIM'S  PROGRESS 


BY 

REV.  J.  O.  PECK,  D.D. 


NEW  YORK:  EATON  &  AtAINS 
CINCINNATI:  CURTS  &  JENNINGS 


Copyright,  1S93,  by 
HUNT    &    EATON, 

New  York, 


Eaton  &  Maixs  Press 
150  Fiftti  Avenue,  New  York. 


PUBLISHERS'  NOTE. 


AT  our  solicitation  the  author  has  prepared  this  new 
Companion  for  Probationers.  His  remarkable  ca- 
reer in  many  of  the  leading  cities  and  churches  in  Meth- 
odism ;  his  success  as  a  pastor  whose  ministry  has  been 
attended  everywhere  by  great  revivals;  his  successful 
care  and  nurture  of  young  converts,  whereby  ninety- 
eight  per  cent  of  the  probationers  were  brought  into 
full  membership  in  the  Church,  are  sufficient  evidences 
of  his  peculiar  fitness  to  prepare  a  helpful  Companion  for 
young  converts.  Perhaps  no  one  so  well  qualified  by 
long  and  rich  experience  for  the  task  has  ever  attempted 
such  a  chart. 

While  this  new  Companion  contains,  necessarily,  some 
things  common  to  similar  booklets,  like  our  *'  Articles  of 
Religion  "  and  our  *'  General  Rules,"  it  also  embodies 
many  things  original  in  the  life  work  of  the  author.  We 
send  forth  this  little  volume  with  confidence  that  it  will 
be  welcomed  warmly  by  pastors  as  an  important  help  in 
the  nurture  of  young  converts.  It  should  be  placed  in 
the  hand  of  each  probationer  on  the  day  that  marks  his 
or  her  first  step  in  Church  relations.* 

New  York.  September,  1893. 


CONTENTS 


f  HAPTEK  r.AGE 

T.     Thoughts  on   Probation.- 9 

1 1.    Counsel  to  Converts 12 

III.  Your  Church  Home 16 

IV.  Baptism 17 

V.    Historic  Information ig 

VI.    Church  Polity 21 

VII.    Special  Doctrines 23 

VIII.    Duty  of  Church  Membership 25 

IX.    Articles  of  Religion 27 

X.    General  Rules 37 

XI.     Marriage,  Temperance,  etc 42 

XII.    Baptismal  Covenant 44 

XIII.  Membership  Covenant .  46 

XIV,  Final  Consecration, 48 

Introduction  to  Studies.  , , .  .  51 

Twelve  Studies  in  "Pilgrim's  Progress  "      ,    .  sj 


[)D 


ROBATIONER'S  COMPANION 


CHAPTER    I. 

THOUGHTS  ON  PROBATION. 

PROBATION  is  a  peculiarity  of  Methodism,  yet  other 
Churches  have  it  in  effect.  By  catechetical  classes, 
by  examining  committees,  and  by  other  means  they  seek 
to  test  the  fitness  of  candidates  for  church  membership. 
The  period  of  probation  with  us  is  "  at  least  six  months." 
This  time  may  be  extended  by  the  probationer  or  the 
church,  if  thought  wise. 

Condition  of  Probation. 
There  is  but  one  condition  required  by  our  rules  for 
admission  on  probation,  namely,  '*  a  desire  to  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come  and  to  be  saved  from  their  sins."  This 
welcomes  every  sincere  soul,  however  young  or  weak. 
A  •*  desire  "  opens  the  door.  Probation,  however,  is  open 
enlistment  in  Christ's  army.  It  should  be  considered  a 
real  commitment  of  the  individual  to  His  service  for  life. 
Pastors  ought  not  to  Intimate  that  probationeiS  need  not  feel 
obliged  to  become  full  members.  While  thay  are  n'; , 
obligated  to  join  the  Methodist  Church  the  above  sug- 
gestion belittles  or  robs  of  its  significance  this  important 
step.  It  makes  the  act  one  of  weakness  and  irresovution 
instead  of  strength'  and  purpose.  Rather  impress  them 
that  having  put  their  hands  to  the  plow  they  must  never 
9 


10  PROBATIONER'S  COMPANION. 

*'  look  back.*'    To  make  this  step  impressive  It  should  be 
Invested  with  the  solemnity  of  a 

Public  Reception. 

Of  course  there  will  bs  esceptions,  owing  to  sickness. 
»niirmity,  and  other  valid  causes,  where  persons  are  will- 
ing, but  unable,  to  be  present.  The  probation  of  such 
should  be  publicly  announced,  with  reasons  justifying  the 
absence.  Pandering  to  the  pride,  or  half-heartedness,  or 
even  timidity  of  those  who  would  be  "secret  "  disciples, 
is  unwise.  It  injures  the  probationer  by  consenting  to  his 
avoiding  the  "cross."  It  savors  of  being  ashamed  to 
confess  openly  his  desire  to  be  a  Christian.  Frequently 
persons  have  said  to  the  writer  that  they  would  join  on 
probation  if  they  could  do  so  privately.  Invariably  they 
were  told  that  this  could  not  be  allowed,  since  Christ  per- 
mitted no  private  disciples.  He  commands  all — "  Con- 
fess me  before  men."  This  is  the  surest  way  to  make 
loyal  and  faithful  followers. 

Privileges  and  Limits. 

The  probationer  is  entitled  to  all  the  means  of  grace  In 
the  Church — to  baptism,  the  love  feast,  and  the  Lord's 
Supper.  He  may  be  a  class  leader  or  Sunday  school 
superintendent,  though  without  a  seat  in  the  Quarterly 
Conference;  but  he  cannot  be  licensed  to  preach,  nor 
bring  charges  against  a  full  member  of  our  Church,  nor 
t-ecome  a  steward  in  the  sanie.  The  probationer  cannot 
te  tried  and  expelled  like  a  full  member,  but.  If  found  un- 
worthy, hi3  name  Is  simply  dropped  from  the  list  of  pro- 

b^oners. 

Duties. 

T©  begin  rtgi.t  is  half  the  battle.  Right  habits  malio 
victory  easy.    Dally  thoughtful  study  of  the  Bible  and 


THOUGHTS  ON  PROBATION. 


11 


much  secret  prayer  are  the  greatest  duties  and  yield  the 
richest  benefits.  To  neglect  these  means  death.  Where 
these  things  are  faithfully  attended  to  there  will  be  a  hun- 
ger for  the  preaching  of  the  word,  the  prayer  meeting  and 
the  class  meeting.  All  these  are  wells  of  salvation.  The 
probationer  should  also  begin  at  once  to  take  part  In 
these  meetings.  The  right  habit  formed  at  the  start  will 
make  participation  In  such  duties  through  life  unburden- 
some  and  rich  in  blessing  and  usefulness. 


Y 


CHAPTER  II. 

COUNSEL  TO  CONVERTS. 

OU  have  entered  on  a  new  life.  Suffer  a  few  words 
of  counsel.  The  way  is  untried.  You  have  never 
passed  this  way  before.  This  Companion  may  prove  a 
guide  and  friend.  It  at  least  reaches  you  a  sympathetic 
hand.  Let  us  together  study  the  life  you  are  to  pursue, 
with  suggestions  of  help,  and  the  Church  you  are  expect- 
ing to  join. 

To  BE  A  Genuine  Christian 
is  the  greatest  achievement  in  life.  This  Is  doubtless 
your  aim.  Divine  help,  daily,  is  indispensable.  Without 
God  you  will  surely  fail.  With  his  constant  aid  you  will 
certainly  overcome  and  be  crowned.  He  has  provided 
wisdom  to  guide,  grace  to  strengthen,  and  help  in  every 
time  of  need.  What  you  are  in  holy  character  is  your 
unfading  crown.  Resolve  to  be  genuine — gold  without 
alloy.  It  is  not  so  much  to  get  to  heaven  as  to  be  heavenly- 
minded  now.  After  a  true  Christian  life  here  there  is  no 
place  but  heaven  for  you  hereafter.  Be  not  anxious  about 
heaven,  but  only  to  be  Christlike  in  daily  life.  Determine 
to  begin,  continue,  and  close  your  journey  in  sweet,  in- 
timate fellowship  with  Christ.     To  this  end 

Study  God's  Word  Daily. 

This  is  the  only  guidebook  to  heaven  and  the  best 

handbook  on  the  journey.     It  is  meat  for  your  soul.     It 

is  the  wisdom  of  God  speaking  to  you.     Not  merely  read, 

but  study  the  Bible ;  meditate  in  it.     Hide  it  in  your  heart. 

12 


COUNSEL    TO   CONVERTS.  13 

Read  not  so  many  chapters,  but  take  a  passage  or  verse 
in  the  morning  and  fted  on  it  all  day  while  at  school  or 
work.  It  will  be  sweeter  than  honey  in  the  soul.  Better 
be  ignorant  of  other  books  and  know  the  treasures  of 
God's  book.  A  Bible  Christian  will  be  wise  and  strong 
and  steadfast. 

Secret  Prayer 
.s  as  vital  to  the  soul  as  breath  to  the  body.  You  cannot 
live  without  it.  You  will  only  gasp  and  die.  Here  all 
true  Christians  live  in  close  communion  with  Christ, 
Open  the  day  with  prayer.  It  will  brighten  all  its  hours. 
Lift  up  your  heart  in  silent  prayer  all  through  the  day. 
Ask  guidance  and  help  in  the  time  of  need.  You  can 
telegraph  the  Throne  and  get  reply  in  an  instant.  One 
very  important  thought  is  urged  on  you  at  the  start, 
always  pray  vocally  when  alone.  Try  to  have  your 
**  closet  "  a  secret  place.  Then  speak  aloud  your  prayer. 
Do  not  merely  think  a  prayer,  but  form  it  in  audible 
words.  The  reflex  effect  of  your  own  words  spoken  aloud 
will  double  the  intensity  and  sincerit}'  of  prayer.  Do  not 
hurry.  Take  time  to  speak  reverently  with  God  and  calmly 
listen  and  wait  for  what  he  shall  say  to  you  In  answer. 
Do  not  ring  the  doorbell  of  heaven  and  then  run  away 
before  your  call  can  be  answered.  "Wait  patiently  for 
him."  If  the  head  of  a  family,  at  once  begin  and  main- 
tain family  prayer. 

Other  Means  of  Grace. 
Whatever  other  meetings  you  attend,  public  preaching, 
prayer  meeting,  and  class  meeting  cannot  be  neglected 
without  great  loss.  Be  constant  at  these  services.  You 
must  feed  your  soul  if  you  would  grow  in  grace.  The 
^reaching  will  instruct,  the  prayer  meeting  inspire,  and 


14  PROBATIONER'S  COMPANION. 

the  class  meeting  strengthen  you  in  piety.  In  these  social 
meetings  commence  at  once  to  take  part.  Confess 
Christ.  Declare  what  great  things  God  hath  done  for  thy 
soul.  Begin ;  say  a  few  words.  Repeat  a  verse  of 
Scripture  or  a  line  of  a  hymn.  A  dumb  child  is  pitiable. 
Learn  to  speak  and  pray  by  repeated  efforts.  Never  yield 
to  the  notion  that  you  cannot.  You  can  if  you  will  try.  Per- 
severe. It  is  a  victory  worth  winning.  It  means  strength, 
joy,  usefulness.    It  will  tend  to  keep  you  from  backsl.ding. 

On  Guard. 

The  Saviour  commands  us  to  "watch"  as  well  as 
pray.  Enemies  and  difficulties  will  be  in  the  way.  Be 
on  your  guard.  Old  habits  will  perhaps  harass  you.  Do 
not  dally  with  them,  but  break  their  bondage.  Be  a  new 
man  in  Christ.  Old  associations  may  be  a  peril.  Sever 
any  friendship  that  would  hinder  your  highest  Christian 
welfare.  Probably  more  young  converts  are  wrecked  by 
the  evil  influence  of  companions  than  by  any  other 
cause.  Let  only  Christ's  friends  be  your  intimate  friends. 
Those  who  scoff  or  laugh  at  holy  things  are  enemies  of 
Christ  and  dangerous  to  your  welfare.  Pray  for  them., 
but  avoid  them. 

Temptations  will  vex  you.  Everybody  has  them.  Do 
not  be  discouraged.  Christ  was  tempted.  Temptation  is 
not  sin.  The  yielding  is  sin.  Be  on  your  guard— never 
yield.  Doubts  will  come.  They  come  to  all  They 
may  befog  you  for  the  moment,  but  keep  looking 
unto  Christ  in  prayer,  sail  steadily  on,  studying  your 
Bible  chart,  and  you  will  come  out  of  the  fog  clearer  and 
stronger  than  ever  in  faith. 

Duty,  not  Feeling, 
Is  your  standard  of  action.     Weak  and  wavering  are  the 


COUNSEL    TO   CONVERTS.  15 

Christians  who  fulfill  religious  obligations  only  when  they 
feel  like  it.  Fickle  as  the  wind  is  feeling  as  a  guide  in 
Christian  life,  while  steadfast  as  the  march  of  a  planet  is 
the  nnandate  of  duty.  Christian  living  is  faithful  obedience 
to  every  teaching  of  Christ,  because  it  is  right.  Right 
doing  develops  right  feeling.  Never,  never  hinge  youi 
service  on  feeling,  but  let  what  is  right  guide  your  obe- 
dience as  loyally  as  the  magnetic  needle  points  to  the  pole 
star. 

This  will  make  you  a  joyful  Christian.  The  joy  of 
doing  right  is  your  strength.  People  who  live  by  emotion 
may  be  "happy"  when  feeling  "happens"  to  move 
them  pleasantly,  but  joy  is  no  accident.  Christian  joy 
springs  from  harmony  with  God's  will  in  service, 
'■  Happy  "  is  a  heathen  word,  while  joy  is  a  Christian 
grace.  Go  to  your  Bible  to  learn  duty,  don't  hearken  to 
feeling.  This  will  make  you  a  working  Christian,  a  grow- 
ing stalwart  soul.  You  work,  not  because  you  feel  like  it. 
but  because  you  ought  to  work  for  Christ.  You  speak 
and  pray  because  it  is  right.  You  are  strong  to  resist  sin, 
however  alluring,  because  you  hear  the  voice  of  God  be- 
hind you — "Thou  shalt  say.  No."  Seek  the  aid  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  in  living  according  to  these  fundamental 
principles,  and  you  will  march  onward  and  upward  in  a 
certain  and  steady  spiritual  life.  You  will  make  no  ship- 
wreck. Probation  will  end  in  honor.  The  Church  will 
want  such  reliable  disciples,  and  you  will  want  a  home  in 
the  Church  until  your  life  on  earth  wins  a  «"^*"^nation 
before  the  Throne. 


CHAPTER  III. 

YOUR  CHURCH  HOME. 

YOU  have  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  on 
probation.  We  expect  you  to  become  a  full  mem- 
ber in  due  time.  We  believe  you  could  not  have  a  better 
Church  home.  You  have  been  converted  under  her  in- 
fluence. She  is  your  mother.  She  will  love  and  nurture 
you  with  tenderest  sympathy  and  affection.  Her  doc- 
trines and  type  of  spiritual  life,  we  believe,  will  best  pro- 
mote your  Christian  growth  in  holy  things.  The  measure 
of  holy  character  a  Church  tends  to  develop  in  her  mem- 
oers  is  the  highest  evidence  that  she  is  a  true  Church  of 
Jesus  Christ.  Other  Churches  may  allure  you  with  flow- 
ery paths  of  indulgence  in  worldly  pleasures.  Do  not  be 
deceived.  What  are  you  seeking  ?  Pleasure  and  indul- 
gence of  natural  desires,  or  likeness  to  Christ  ?  If  the 
:ormer,  the  world  offers  you  the  greatest  freedom  outside 
any  Church.  If  the  latter  (true  piety),  then  the  Church 
rhat  is  least  like  the  world  will  be  most  like  Christ.  Your 
Saviour  should  be  your  Guide  and  Teacher.  He  says,  "  If 
any  man  will  be  my  disciple,  let  him  deny  himself,  and 
take  up  his  cross,  and  follow  me."  "Follow  me,"  not 
follow  the  world.  If  you  cheerfully  accept  the  teachings 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Christian  life, we 
are  confident  you  will  attain  the  highest  religious  experi- 
ence here  and  the  fullest  preparation  for  heaven  hereafter. 
Study  the  teachings  of  Methodism  in  this  Companion, 
and  compare  them  diligently  with  the  teachings  of  Christ, 
and  if  you  find  they  agree  cleave  to  them  for  eternal  life. 
Be  intelligent,  steadfast,  loyal  Methodists.  Do  not  be 
readily  moved  by  the  appeals  to  an  ''easy"  Christian 
life.  If,  however,  you  desire  above  all  things  to  live  and 
be  like  Jesus,  you  will  find  no  better  home  than  in  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
16 


CHAPTER  IV. 

BAPTISM. 

IS  baptism  obligatory  on  each  Christian  ? 
Christ  so  commands.     He  also  was  baptized. 

2.  What  are  the  three  modes  of  baptism  ? 
Sprinkling,  pouring,  immersion. 

3.  What  is  the  proper  mode  of  baptism  ? 

That  which  satisfies  your  conscience.  The  mode  is 
not  vital.  Our  Church  guarantees  each  candidate  his 
choice  of  modes,  and  he  should  claim  that  which  satisfies 
his  (not  another's)  conscience. 

4.  Does  our  Church  approve  and  recogniz*  the  validity 
of  Infant  Baptism  ? 

Most  positively. 

5.  Should  we  rebaptize  one  baptized  in  infancy  ? 

No.  Explain  the  fact  of  baptism  already  received ; 
then  always  require  him,  on  reception  into  full  member- 
ship, to  ratify  and  confirm  the  baptismal  covenant.  This 
satisfies  conscience. 

Note. — The  author  for  twenty-five  years  pursued  this  inetliod 
and  found  it  entirely  satisfactory  to  those  baptized  in  infancy. 

6.  Does  baptism  precede  full  membership  ? 
Most  certainly. 

7.  May  the  probationer  receive  the  Lerd's  Supper 
before  baptism  ? 

He  should  partake  of  the  Sacrament  on  every  GCca::iion, 
but  secure  baptism  as  early  as  possible. 
2  17 


18 


PROBATIONER'S  COMPANION. 


8.  Is  the  baptismal  covenant  equally  obligatory  on 
those  baptized  in  infancy  and  in  adult  years  ? 

Most  assuredly. 

9.  Must  a  probationer  give  evidence  of   conversion 
before  reception  as  a  full  member  ? 

Certainly,  since  he  must  affirm  that  he  has  "  saving 
faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'* 


CHAPTER  V. 

HISTORIC  INFORMATION. 

WHO  was  the  founder  of  Methodism  ? 
Rev,  John   Wesley,  A.M.,  born   at   Epworth, 
England,  June  17,  1703. 

2.  Where  did  Methodism  first  take  historic  form  ? 

At  Bristol,  England,  in  1739.  Here  Mr.  Wesley 
organized  the  first  Methodist  "  Society." 

3.  How  came  they  to  be  named  "  Methodists?" 

At  first,  in  derision,  at  Oxford  University,  because  of 
♦heir  methodical  life  and  habits.  In  Great  Britain  they 
$.re  called  Wesleyans. 

4.  What  induced  the  forming  of  these  clasp'°s  or 
societies  ? 

The  low  type  of  piety  in  the  Church  of  England  and 
the  exclusion  of  Mr.  Wesley  and  others  from  its  pulpits. 

5.  Did  Mr.  Wesley  intend  to  organize  a  Methodist 
Church  ? 

Not  at  first.  He  lived  and  died  a  communicant  of  the 
Church  of  England,  but  provided  for  the  organization  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  America. 

6.  What  was  the  origin  of  Methodism  in  America? 

It  began  in  1  766  in  New  York  city  In  the  preaching  of 
Philip  Embury,  a  local  preacher  from  Ireland,  who  was 
roused  to  duty  by  the  stinging  words  of  Barbara  Heck,  a 
godly  Methodist.  Near  the  same  period  another  Irish- 
man, Robert  Strawbrldge.  commenced  to  preach  in 
Maryland.  The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  as  a  distinct 
ID 


20  PROBATION-ER'S   COMPANION. 

denomination,  was   organized    December  25,    1784,  in 
Baltimore,  Md. 

7.  In  what  countries  is  Methodism  the  strongest  ? 
In  the  United  States  and  Canada. 

8.  How  came  our  Church  to  be  called  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  ? 

Because  Mr.  Wesley  and  other  leaders  preferred  the 
Episcopal  form  of  Church  government,  and  also  des-'red 
to  retain  the  distinctive  name,  Methodist. 

9.  Who  was  the  first  Bishop? 

Rev.  Thomas  Coke,  LL.D.,  was  ordained  and  sent  to 
America  as  the  first  General  Superintendent,  or  Bishop, 
by  Mr.  Wesley.  Rev.  Francis  Asbury  was  the  first 
Bishop  elected  after  the  Church  was  organized  in  1  784. 

10.  How  many  Bishops  have  there  been  ? 
Forty-six,  with  the  four  Missionary  Bishops  (1893). 

1 1.  Are  there  other  denominations  of  Methodism  ? 
There   are  several    denominations   of  Methodism,  but 

our  Church  is  by  far  the  strongest  and  most  important. 

12.  How  do  these  differ  from  our  Church? 

Almost  entirely  in  matters  of  Church  government.  In 
doctrine  they  are  very  similar. 

13.  When  did  the  great  division  of  Methodism  take 
place  ? 

In  1844.  Those  who  withdrew  became  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South. 

14.  What  Ecumenical  Methodist  Conferences  have 
been  held  ? 

The  first  in  August,  1881,  in  London,  England  ;  the 
second  In  (October,  1891,  in  Washington.  D.  0. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

CHURCH    POLITY. 

HOW  is  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  governed 
and  administered  ? 
By  the  General,  Annual,  Mission,  District,  Judicial, 
and  Quarterly  Conferences.  The  Discipline  and  pastor 
will  explain  the  province  and  power  of  each  of  these 
organizations.  (The  probationers  might  be  assigned  to 
prepare  brief  papers  on  each  of  these  Conferences.) 

2.  Which  is  the  sole  legislative  body  of  the  Church? 
The  General  Conference. 

3.  How  many  orders  in  our  ministry? 
Two  ;  Elders  and  Deacons. 

4.  How  many  offices  in  the  ministry? 

Four  :  Bishops,  Presiding  Elders,  Elders,  and  Deacons 

5.  What  lay  officers  are  in  the  Church  ? 

Local  preachers,  exhorters,  trustees,  stewards,  class 
leaders,  Sunday  school  superintendents,  deaconesses. 
(Probationers  may  be  requested  to  prepare  brief  papers 
on  the  duties  of  each  of  these  officers.) 

6.  What  peculiarity  in  the  ministry  of  our  Church  ? 
The  Itinerancy.     This  is  a  plan  by  which  each  church 

and  each  minister  agrees  to  submit  to  the  Bishops  at  the 
Annual  Conferences  the  matter  of  fixing  the  appoint- 
ments for  each  church  and  minister.  The  pastor  is 
appointed  for  one  year,  and  cannot  be  reappointed  for  a 
longer  period  than  five  consecutive  years  to  one  church. 
21 


f>2  tNOI:A  I  IO.\h.k'S    COjMI'AMoX. 

7.  What  benevolent  societies  in  our  Church  are  author- 
ized to  ask  contributions  from  each  member? 

The  Missionary,  Church  Extension,  Freedmen's  Aid 
«ind  Southern  Education,  Sunday  School  Union,  Tract, 
American  Bible  Society,  Education,  Woman's  Foreign 
Missionary  and  Woman's  Home  Missionary  Societies. 
(Let  probationers  be  appointed  to  define  the  scope  and 
work  of  each  Society.) 

8.  How  are  these  benevolences  raised  ? 

By  voluntary  contributions  from  each  member. 

9.  Is  each  member  obligated  to  contribute  to  all  of 
these  benevolences  ? 

Yes.  Everyone  so  vows  in  becoming  a  member  of 
the  Church  ? 

10.  Is  each  member  obligated  to  support  the  local 
church  ? 

Yes.  He  so  promises  on  entering  the  Church.  He 
vows  to  support  the  Church  and  its  benevolences  by 
"contributing  according  to  his  ability." 


CHAPTER  VII. 

SPECIAL  DOCTRINES. 

ARE   there   distinctive  doctrines  in  our  Church  rot 
mentioned  in  the  Articles  of  Religion  ? 
There  are  several  of  great  importance. 

2.  What  eight  doctrines  are  specially  emphasized  by 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  ? 

Repentance,  Justification,  Regeneration,  the  Witness 
of  the  Spirit,  Holiness,  Free  Will,  Universal  Atonement. 
Possible  Apostasy.  ' 

3.  What  is  Repentance? 

Godly  sorrow  for  sin,  evidenced  by  sincere  reforma- 
tion. A  penitent  turning  of  the  soul  to  God  for  mercy. 
Isa.  55.  7;  2  Cor.  7.  10. 

4.  What  is  Justification  ? 

Remission  of  all  penalty  due  for  sins  previously  com- 
mitted.    Full  forgiveness-     Rom.  5.  1;    8.  1. 

5.  What  is  Regeneration  ? 

It  is  the  renewing  of  the  soul  in  righteousness  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  The  subject  of  regeneration  is  made  "  a 
new  creature  in  Christ  Jesus."  John  3.  3;  Eph.  4.  23; 
Titus  3.  5. 

6.  What  do  we  mean  by  the  Witness  of  the  Spirit  ? 
The  immediate  testimony  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  heart 

of  the  Christian  of  his  acceptance  as  a  child  of  God. 
This  testimony  confirms  the  assurance  of  the  believer's 
own  heart.     Rom.  8,  16. 

7~  What  is  Holiness  or  Sanctification  ? 
23 


24 


FROBA  Tl ONER'S   COMPANION. 


It  is  the  pe=rf«cting  and  completing  of  the  soul  in  ah 
the  graces  of  Christian  character.  Those  who  possess  it 
love  God  with  all  their  heart  and  their  neighbors  as  them- 
selves. This  work  of  grace  may  be  instantaneous  or 
gradual.  It  is  to  be  persistently  sought  by  faith,  through 
prayer,  as  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

8.  What  do  we  mean  by  Free  Will  ? 

That  all  men  have  freedom  of  will  to  accept  or  reject 
Christ  as  Saviour.  They  can  freely  choose  or  refuse  to 
be  saved.     John  3.  16. 

9.  What  is  Universal  Atonement? 

The  fact  that  Christ  died  and  atoned  for  the  sins  of  the 
whole  world.  Every  soul  is  equally  redeemed  by  the 
death  of  Christ.     Heb.  2.  9  :  Rev.  22.  17. 

10.  What  is  Possible  Apostasy? 

It  is  the  teaching  of  Scripture  that  the  soul  once 
renewed  may  possibly  fall  into  sin  and  guilt,  and  dying  in 
this  state  be  finally  lost.      1  Cor.  9.  27. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

DUTY  OF  CHURCH  MEMBERSHIP. 

BY    B.    HAVVLEY,   D.D.* 

EVERY  Christian  should  become  a  member  of  the 
visible  Church,  because  it  is  a  divine  institution. 

1 .  The  apostolic  letters  are  addressed  to  the  Churches 
founded  and  confirmed  by  the  apostles.  1  Cor.  1.2; 
2  Cor.  1 .  1  *  1  Thess.  1.1. 

2.  Apostolic  salutations  are  to  Churches.  Rom.  16.  16 
ana  everywhere  in  the  epistles. 

3.  Jesus  Christ  is  the  founder  of  the  Church.  Matt.  16 
18. 

4.  The  authority  and  power  of  discipline  are  vested  in 
the  Church.'    Matt.  18.  17. 

5.  Believers  on  earth  are  a  part  of  the  true  spiritual 
Church.     Eph.  3.  15. 

6.  The  general  Church  is  the  spiritual  kingdom  of 
Christ.     John  18.  36;  Luke  17.  20.  21;  Rom.  14.  17. 

7.  Jesus  Christ  is  Head  of  the  Church,  and  Christians 
in  an  organized  capacity  are  the  body.  Col.  1.18;  Eph. 
4    5;  5.  23.  27;  Rom.  12.  5. 

8.  "  Ecclesia,"  meaning;  assembly  (Acts  19,  32,  39).  in 
an  evangelical  sense,  designates  a  Church,  or  congrega- 
tion of  Christians,  having  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel 

*  Dr.  Hawley  kindly  permits  the  author  to  use  his  tract  on  Church 
Membership,  and  also  his  arrangement  of  the  Articles  of  Religion  and 
the  General  Rules. 

25 


30  /'A'0/JA2'/0.Y/^A"S   COAJJ'AXJO.W 

and  discipline  duly  administered.  Eph.  2.  19;  Acts  2 
47 ;  Eph.  1.1;  Gal.  3.  7,  9,  14;  Acts  1 1 .  22,  26. 

9  To  the  Church  belong  the  ministry,  the  Scriptures, 
and  ordinances  for  the  perfecting  of  the  saints.  Acts  14. 
23;  Eph.  4.  11-13;  Phil.  1.1. 

That  all  Christians  should  be  members  of  the  visible 
Church  is  further  evident : 

1.  From  the  teaching  and  practice  of  the  apostles. 
Acts  2.  41,  47;  14.  23,  27;  Rom.  1.7;  1  Cor.  1.  2; 
Eph.  3.  5. 

2.  From  the  authority  of  our  Lord.  Matt.  28.  19,  18. 
18;  4.  19. 

3.  The  Church  is  the  temple  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
Christians  share  his  influences  somewhat  because  of  a 
union  with  the  Church.  Eph.  2.  20-22  ;  1  Peter  2.  5  ; 
Heb.  3.  6;   1  Cor.  3.  16;  2  Cor.  6.  16. 

4.  Christians  derive  spiritual  life  and  health  from  the 
Head  of  the  Church,  because  of  a  union  with  him  in  the 
Church.     John  5.  24;  20.  31;    1  John  5.  1 1,  12. 

5.  Religious  prosperity  is  promoted  in  the  Church. 
Matt.  1 8.  20  ;  John  1 4.  23  ;    15.4;  Eph.  5.  23,  26,  27. 

6.  The  perpetuity  of  the  Church  depends  on  the  union 
of  Christians  with  it.  Isa.  9.  7  ;  Dan.. 2.  44;  Matt.  28. 
20;    1  Cor.  1 1 .  26  :   15.  25. 

The  duty  of  Church  membership  being  established. 
"  what  Church  should  you  join  ?  " 

1.  You  should  unite  with  that  Church  whose  doctrines 
are  the  most  scriptural,  in  which  are  the  most  religious 
life,  activity,  love,  and  fellowship. 

2.  Where  the  religious  privileges  are  best  calculated  to 
promote  piety,  and  to  develop  and  strengthen  the  Chris 
ian  graces. 

3.  Where  you  can  get  and  do  the  most  good. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

ARTICLES  OF  'RELIGION. 

THE  probationer  is  required  to  answer  the  following 
question  on  becoming  a  full  member :  "  Do  you  be- 
lieve the  doctrines  of  Holy  Scripture  as  set  forth  in  the 
Articles  of  Religion  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  ?  " 
He  should  carefully  study  the  doctrines  and  Scripture 
proofs  to  enable  him  to  answer  intelligently  and  conscien- 
tiously. He  is  not  asked  if  he  comprehends  and  can 
explain  these  doctrines,  but  if  he  believes  them  to  be 
taught  in  the  Bible.  If  he  accepts  them  sincerely,  to  the 
best  of  his  understanding,  it  is  sufficient. 

L  Of  Faith  in  the  Holy  Trinity. 
There  is  but  one  living  and  true  God,  everlasting,  with- 
out body  or  parts,  of  infinite  power,  wisdom,  and  good- 
ness ;  the  maker  and  preserver  of  all  things,  visible  and 
invisible.  And  in  unity  of  this  Godhead  there  are  three 
persons,  of  one  substance,  power,  and  eternity — the  Father, 
the  Son.  and  the  Holy  Ghost.  Isa.  45.  22  ;  Psalm  90.  2  ; 
John  4.  24;  Mark  10.  27;  Psalm  147.  5;  52.  1;  Isa. 
44.  24  ;   Neh.  9.  6 ;  2  Cor.  13.  14;   Matt.  28.  1 9. 

11.    Of  thk  Word,  or  Son  of  Goj>,  ^vHo  was  made 
VERY  Man. 

The  Son,  who  !s  the  Word  of  the  Father,  the  very  and 
eternal  God,  of  one  substance  with  the  Father,  took  man's 
nature  in  the  womb  of  the  blessed  virgin ;  so  that  two 
27 


28  PROBATIONER'S  COMPANION. 

whole  and  perfect  natures,  that  is  to  say,  the  Godhead  and 
manhood,  were  joined  together  in  one  person,  never  to 
be  divided ;    whereof  is  one  Christ,  very  God  and  very 
man,  who  truly  suffered,  was  crucified,  dead  and  buried, 
to  reconcile  his  Father  to  us,  and  to*  be  a  sacrifice,  not 
only  for  original  guilt,  but  also  for  the  actual  sins  of  men, 
Rev.    19.  13;  John   1.   1;   10.  30;   1.   14;  Isa.  7.   14 
Matt.   1.23;  Acts  2.  36;  Heb.   10.  12;  Matt.  27.  35 
John   19.  33  ;  Mark  15.  46 ;   1  John  2.  2  ;  Isa.  53.  6 
Heb.  2.  17. 

III.  Of  the  Resurrection  of  Christ. 
Christ  did  truly  rise  again  from  the  dead,  and  took 
again  his  body,  with  all  things  appertaining  to  the  perfec- 
tion  of  man's  nature,  wherewith  he  ascended  into  heaven, 
and  there  sitteth  until  he  return  to  judge  all  men  at  the 
^st  day.     Luke  24.  39;  Mark  16.  19;  Matt.  '6.  27. 

IV.  Of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
The  Holy  Ghost,  proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the 
Son,  is  of  one  substance,  majesty,  and  glory  with  the 
Father  and  the  Son,  very  and  eternal  God.    John  15.26; 
14.  16,  23;  Acts  5.  3,  4. 

V.  The  SuKi'iciENCY  of  the  Holy  Scuii'TruES 
FOR  Salvation. 
The  Holy  Scriptures  contain  all  things  necessary  to 
salvation  ;  so  that  whatsoever  is  not  read  therein,  nor 
may  be  proved  thereby,  is  not  to  be  required  of  any  man 
that  it  should  be  believed  as  an  article  of  faith,  or  be 
thought  requisite  or  necessary  to  salvation.  In  the  name 
of  the  Holy  Scriptures  we  do  understand  tfiose  canonical 
Dooks  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  of  whose  authority 
v/as  never  any  doubt  in  the  Church. 


A/<TiCLE:S   OF  RELIGION.  20 

THE    NAMES    OF    THE   CANONICAL    ]!OOKS. 

Genesis,  Exodus,  Leviticus,  Numbers,  Deuteronomy. 
Joshua,  Judges,  Ruth,  The  First  Book  of  Samuel,  The 
Second  Book  of  Samuel,  The  First  Book  of  Kings,  The 
Second  Book  of  Kings,  The  First  Book  of  Chronicles, 
The  Second  Book  of  Chronicles,  The  Book  of  Ezra,  The 
Book  of  Nehemiah,  The  Book  of  Esther,  The  Book  of 
Job,  The  Psalms,  The  Proverbs ;  Ecclesiastes,  or  The 
Preacher ;  Cantica,  or  Song  of  Solomon  ;  Four  Prophets, 
the  greater ;  Twelve  Prophets,  the  less. 

All  the  books  of  the  New  Testament,  as  they  are  com- 
monly received,  we  do  receive  and  account  canonical. 
2  Tim.  3.  1 6,  1 5  ;  John  5.  39  ;  Deut.  1 2.  32 ;  Mark  7.  7. 

VI.  Of  the  Old  Tesi'ament. 
The  Old  Testament  is  not  contrary  to  the  New  ;  for 
both  in  the  Old  and  New  Testament  everlasting  life  ir 
offere'^.  to  mankind  by  Christ,  who  is  the  only  Mediator 
between  God  and  man,  being  both  God  and  man. 
Wherefore  they  are  not  to  be  heard  v/ho  feign  that  the 
old  fathers  did  look  only  for  transitory  promises.  Al- 
though the  law  given  from  God  by  Moses  as  touching 
ceremonies  and  rites  doth  not  bind  Christians,  nor  ouglf 
the  civil  precepts  thereof  of  necessity  be  received  in  any 
commonwealth  ;  yet,  notwithstanding,  no  Christian  what- 
soever is  free  from  the  obedience  of  the  commandments 
which  are  called  moral.  Acts  24.  14;  Luke  24.  44; 
Acts  16.  31  ;    Isa.  55.  7;    John  11.  26;    Matt.  5.  17. 

VIL  Of  Original  or  Birth  Sin. 
Original  sin  standetli  not  in  the  following  of  Adam 
fas  the  Pelagians  do  vainly  talk),  but  it  is  the  corruption 
of  the  nature  of  every  man.  that  naturally  is  engendered 


30  PROBA  TIONER'S  COAfPANION. 

of  the  offspring  of  Adam,  whereby  man  is  very  far  gone 
from  original  righteousness,  and  of  his  own  nature  in- 
clined to  evil,  and  that  continually.  Job  25.  4;  Rom.  8.  7. 

VIII.  Of  Free  Will. 
The  condition  of  man  after  the  fall  of  Adam  is  such 
that  he  cannot  turn  and  prepare  himself,  by  his  own 
natural  strength  and  works,  to  faith,  and  calling  upon 
God  ;  wherefore  we  have  no  power  to  do  good  works, 
pleasant  and  acceptable  to  God,  without  the  grace  of  God 
by  Christ  preventing  us.  that  we  may  have  a  good  will, 
and  working  with  us,  when  we  have  that  good  will. 
Rom.  8.  8;  7.  18;   1  Cor.  15.  10;  Phil.  2.  13. 

IX.  Of  the  Justification  of  Man. 
We  are  accounted  righteous  before  God  only  for  the 
merit  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  by  faith  and 
not  for  our  own  works  or  deservifigs.  Wherefore,  that 
we  are  justified  by  faith  only  is  a  most  wholesome  doc- 
trine, and  very  full  of  comfort.  Acts  13.  39  ;  Rom.  3.  28. 

X.  Of  Good  Works. 
Although  good  works,  which  are  the  fruits  of  faith,  and 
^ollow  after  justification,  cannot  put  away  our  sins,  and 
endure  the  severity  of  God's  judgments;  yet  are  they 
pleasing  and  acceptable  to  God  in  Christ,  and  spring  out 
of  a  true  and  lively  faith,  insomuch  that  by  them  a  lively 
faith  may  be  as  evidently  known  as  a  tree  is  discerned 
by  its  fruit.  James  2.  18,  22\  Matt.  5.  16;  7.  16-20; 
:5hn  tS.  8;   Phil.  1.  11  ;    1  Peter  2.  12. 

XI.  Of  Works  of  Supererogation. 
Voluntary  works — besides,  over  and  above  God's  com- 
nnandments — which  are  called  works  of  supererogation. 


ARTICLES  OF  RELIGION.  \\\ 

cannot  be  taught  without  arrogancy  and  impiety.  For 
by  them  men  do  declare  that  they  do  not  only  render 
unto  God  as  much  as  they  are  bound  to  do,  but  that  they 
do  more  for  his  sake  than  of  bounden  duty  is  required. 
Whereas  Christ  saith  plainly,  When  ye  have  done  all 
that  is  commanded  you,  say,  We  are  unprofitable  serv- 
ants.   Luke  17.  10. 

XII.  Of  Sin  after  Justification. 
Not  every  sin  willingly  committed  after  justification 
is  the  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  unpardonable. 
Wherefore,  the  grant  of  repentance  is  not  to  be  denied 
to  such  as  fall  into  sin  after  justification :  after  we  have 
received  the  Holy  Ghost,  we  may  depart  from  grace 
given,  and  fall  into  sin,  and,  by  the  grace  of  God,  rise 
again  and  amend  our  lives.  And  therefore  they  are  to 
be  condemned  who  say  they  can  no  more  sin  as  long  as 
they  live  here  ;  or  deny  the  place  of  forgiveness  to  such 
as  truly  repent.  Mark  3.  29  ;  Gal.  6.  1  ;  Jer.  3.  22; 
Rev.  2.  5. 

XIII.  Of  the  Church. 

The  visible  Church  of  Christ  is  a  congregation  of  faith- 
ful men  in  which  the  pure  word  of  God  is  preached,  and 
the  sacraments  duly  administered  according  to  Christ's 
ordinance,  in  all  those  things  that  of  necessity  are  req- 
uisite to  the  same.     1  Cor.  1.2;  2.  1  ;  Acts  2.  41,  47. 

XIV.  Of  Purgatory. 
The  Romish  doctrine  concerning  purgatory,  (pardon, 
worshiping  and  adoration,  as  well  of  images  as  of  relics, 
and  also  invocation  of  saints,  is  a  fond  thing,  vainly  in- 
vented, and  grounded  upon  no  warrant  of  Scripture,  but 
repugnant  to  the  word  of  God.  John  8.  21;  Luke  5.  21 
Lev.  26.  1;  John  14.  6;   1  Tim.  2.  5. 


'32  PKODATIOAER'S  COMPANION, 

XV.  Of  Speaking  in  the  Congregation  in  such 
A  Tongue  as  the  People  Understand. 

It  is  a  thing  plainly  repugnant  to  the  word  of  God,  and 
the  custom  of  the  prinnitive  Church,  to  have  public 
prayer  in  the  Church,  or  to  administer  the  sacraments,  in 
a  tongue  not  understood  by  the  people.     1  Cor.  14.  9,  19. 

XVI.  Of  the  Sacraments. 

Sacraments  ordained  of  Christ  are  not  only  badges  or 
tokens  of  Christian  men's  profession,  but  rather  they  are 
certain  signs  of  grace,  and  God's  good  will  toward  us,  by 
the  which  he  doth  work  invisibly  in  us.  and  doth  not  only 
quicken  but  also  strengthen  and  confirm,  our  faith  in 
him. 

There  are  two  sacraments  ordained  of  Christ  our  Lord 
in  the  Gospel ;  that  is  to  say.  Baptism  and  the  SupjDer  of 
the  Lord. 

Those  five  commonly  called  sacraments — that  is  to 
say,  confirmation,  penance,  orders,  matrimony,  and 
extreme  unction — are  not  to  be  counted  for  sacraments 
of  the  Gospel ;  being  such  as  have  partly  grown  out  Oi 
the  corrupt  following  of  the  apostles,  and  partly  are 
states  of  life  allowed  in  the  Scriptures,  but  yet  have  not 
the  like  nature  of  Baptism  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  because 
they  have  not  any  visibh  sign  or  ceremony  ordained  of 
God. 

The  sacraments  were  not  ordained  of  Christ  to  be  gazed 
upon,  or  to  be  carried  about;  but  that  we  should  duly 
use  them.  And  in  such  only  as  worthily  receive  the 
«ame  they  nave  a  wholesome  effect  or  operation :  but 
they  that  receive  them  unv/o>-thily,  purch.ise  to  themselve-i 
condemnation,  as  St.  Paul  saith  (1  Cor.  II.  29).  Matt. 
28.  19;  26.  26-28;  Luke  22.  19. 


ARTICLES   OF  RELIGTON.  33 

X\'ll.  Of  Baitism. 
Baptism  is  not  only  a  sign  of  profession  and  mark  ol 
difference  whereby  Christians  are  distinguished  from 
others  that  are  not  baptized ;  but  it  is  also  a  sign  of  re- 
generation or  the  new  birth.  The  baptism  of  young 
children  is  to  be  retained  in  the  Church.  Acts  22.  16- 
to.  47;  2.  38,  39. 

XVIII.  Of  the  Lord's  Suppkk. 

The  Supper  of  the  Lord  is  not  only  a  sign  of  the  'ove 
that  Christians  ought  to  have  among  themselves  one  to 
another,  but  rather  is  a  sacrament  of  our  redemption  by 
Christ  ?  death ;  insomuch  that,  to  such  as  rightly,  worth- 
ily, and  with  faith  receive  the  same,  the  bread  which  we 
break  is  a  partaking  of  the  body  of  Christ ;  and  likewise 
the  cup  of  blessing  is  a  partaking  of  the  blood  of  Christ. 

Transubstantiation,  or  the  change  of  the  substance  O) 
bread  and  wine  in  the  Supper  of  our  Lord,  cannot  be 
proved  by  Holy  Writ,  but  is  repugnant  to  the  plain  words 
of  Scripture,  overthroweth  the  nature  of  a  Sacrament, 
and  hath  given  occasion  to  many  superstitions. 

The  body  of  Christ  is  given,  taken,  and  eaten  in  the 
Supper,  only  after  a  heavenly  and  spiritual  manner.  Anc' 
the  means  whereby  the  body  of  Christ  is  received  ana 
eaten  in  the  Supper  is  faith. 

The  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  was  not  by  Christ's 
ordinance  reserved,  carried  about,  lifted  up,  or  worshiped. 
t  Cor.  10.  16,  17;   11.  26. 

XIX.  Of  both  Kinds. 
The  cup  of  the  Lord  is  not  to  be  denied  to  the  lay  peo- 
ple ;  for  both  the  pants  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  by  Christ's 
ordinance  and  commandment,  ought  to  be  administered 
to  all  Christians  alike.     Matt.  26.  27. 
3 


34  PROBATIONER'S  COMPANION. 

XX.    Of    the   one    Oblation   of    Christ,    finished 
UPON  the  Cross. 

The  offering  of  Christ,  once  made,  is  that  perfect  re- 
demption, propitiation,  and  satisfaction  for  all  the  sins  of 
the  whole  world,  both  original  and  actual ;  and  there  is 
none  other  satisfaction  for  sin  but  that  alone.  Wherefore, 
the  sacrifice  of  masses,  in  the  which  it  is  commonly  saia 
that  the  priest  doth  offer  Christ  for  the  quick  and  the  dead, 
to  have  remission  of  pain  or  guilt,  is  a  blasphemous  fable, 
and  dangerous  deceit.  Heb.  10.  14;  1  Peter  2.  24, 
Heb.  9.  28. 

XXI.  Of  the  Marriage  of  Ministers. 

The  ministers  of  Christ  are  not  commanded  by  God's 
law  either  to  vow  the  estate  of  single  life,  or  to  abstain 
from  marriage :  therefore  it  is  lawful  for  them,  as  for  all 
other  Christians,  to  marry  at  their  own  discretion,  as  they 
shall  judge  the  same  to  serve  best  to  godliness.  1  Tim. 
3.  2;   1  Cor.  9.  5. 

XXII.  Of  the  Rites  and  Ceremonies  of  Churches. 
It  is  not  necessary  that  rites  and  ceremonies  should  in 
all  places  be  the  same,  or  exactly  alike ;  for  they  have 
been  always  different,  and  may  be  changed  according  to 
the  diversity  of  countries,  times,  and  men's  manners,  so 
that  nothing  be  ordained  against  God's  word.  Whoso- 
ever, through  his  private  judgment,  willingly  and  pur- 
posely doth  openly  break  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  the 
Church  to  which  he  belongs,  which  are  not  repugnant  to 
to  the  word  of  God,  and  are  ordained  and  approved  by 
common  authority,  ought  to  be  rebuked  op^-nly  (that 
others  may  fear  to  do  the  like),  as  one  that  or'-^ndeth 
against  the  common  order  of  the  Church,  and  woundeth 
the  consciences  of  weak  brethren. 


ARTICLES  OF  RELIGION. 


35 


Every  particular  Church  may  ordain,  change,  or  abol- 
ish rites  and  ceremonies,  so  that  all  things  may  be  done 
to  edification.  1  Cor.  14.  26,  40;  Acts  15.  28,  29; 
2  Thess.  3.  6. 

XXIII.  Of  thk  Rulers  ok  thk  United  States  ok 
America." 
The  President,  the  Congress,  the  General  Assemblies, 
the  Governors,  and  the  Councils  of  State,  as  the  delegates 
of  the  people,  are  the  rulers  of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica, according  to  the  division  of  power  made  to  them  by 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  by  the  Consti- 
tutions of  their  respective  States.  And  the  said  States 
are  a  sovereign  and  independent  nation,  and  ought  not  to 
be  subject  to  any  foreign  jurisdiction,     Rom.  13.  1-3. 

XXIV.  Of  Christian  Men's  Goods. 

The  riches  and  goods  of  Christians  are  not  common, 
as  touching  the  right,  title,  and  possession  of  the  same, 
as  some  do  falsely  boast.  Notwithstanding,  every  man 
ought,  of  such  things  as  he  possesseth,  liberally  to  give 
alms  to  the  poor,  according  to  his  ability.  Acts  5.  4 ; 
1  John  3.  17. 

XXV.  Ok  a  Christian  Man's  Oath. 

As  we  confess  that  vain  and  rash  swearing  is  forbidden 
Christian  men  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  James  his 
apostle ;  so  we  judge  that  the  Christian  religion  doth  not 

*  As  far  as  it  respects  civil  affairs,  we  believe  it  the  duty  of  Chris- 
tians, and  especially  all  Christian  ministers,  to  be  subject  to  the  supreme 
authority  of  the  country  where  they  may  reside,  and  to  use  all  lauda- 
ble means  to  enjoin  obedience  to  the  powers  that  be  ;  and  therefore  it 
is  expected  that  all  our  preachers  and  people,  who  may  be  imder  the 
British  or  any  other  government,  will  behave  themselves  as  peaceable 
and  orderly  subjects. 


36 


PI^OBA  TIONER'S  COMPANION, 


prohibit,  but  ttiat  a  man  may  swear  when  the  magistrate 
requireth,  in  a  cause  of  faith  and  charity,  so  it  be  done 
according  to  the  prophet's  teaching,  in  justice,  judgment 
f.nd  truth.     Exod.  20.  7  ;  Matt.  5.  34  :  26.  63,  64. 


CHAPTER  X. 

NfATURE.    DESIGN,    AND    GENERAL   RULES    OF 
THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

L    Nature   and    Design    of   the   First    Methodist 
Societies. 

IN  the  latter  end  of  the  year  1739  eight  or  ten  persons 
who  appeared  to  be  deeply  convinced  of  sin,  ana 
earnestly  groaning  for  redemption,  came  to  Mr.  Wesley 
in  London.  They  desired,  as  did  two  or  three  more  the 
next  day,  that  he  would  spend  some  time  with  them  in 
prayer,  and  advise  them  how  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come,  which  they  saw  continually  hanging  over  their 
heads.  That  he  might  have  more  time  for  this  great 
work,  he  appointed  a  day  when  they  might  all  come  to- 
gether ;  which  from  thenceforward  they  did  every  week, 
namely,  on  Thursday,  in  the  evening.  To  these,  and  as 
many  more  as  desired  to  join  them  (for  their  number  in- 
creased daily),  he  gave  those  advices  from  time  to  time 
which  he  judged  most  needful  for  them  ;  and  they  always 
concluded  their  miceting  with  prayer  suited  to  their  sev- 
eral necessities. 

This  was  the  rise  of  the  United  Society,  first  in  Europe, 
and  then  in  America.  Such  a  society  is  no  other  than 
*'(?  company  of  7nen  hazung  tJie  form  and  seeking  the 
poiver  of  godliness,  united  in  order  to  pray  together,  to 
receive  the  word  of  exhortation^  and  to  watch  over  one 
another  in  love,  thatihey  may  hcfp  each  other  to  work  out 
their  salvation." 


88  PROBATIONER'S   COMPANION. 

II.    The  Society  or  Church  divhieu  into  Classes. 

That  it  may  the  more  easily  be  discerned  whether  they 
Ere  indeed  working  out  their  own  salvation,  each  society 
is  divided  into  smaller  companies,  called  classes,  accord- 
ing to  their  respective  places  of  abode. 

There  are  about  twelve  persons  in  a  class,  one  of  '  hom 
Is  styled  the  leader.     It  is  his  duty, 

1.  To  see  each  person  in  his  class  once  a  week  ar 
least ;  in  order, 

(I.)  To  inquire  how  his  soul  prospers. 

(2.)  To  advise,  reprove,  comfort,  or  exhort,  as  occasion 
may  require. 

(3.)  To  receive  what  he  is  willing  to  give  toward  the 
relief  of  the  ministers,  Church,  and  poor. 

2.  To  meet  the  ministers  and  the  stewards  of  the  society 
once  a  week;  in  order, 

(1.)  To  inform  the  minister  of  any  that  are  sick,  or  of 
any  that  walk  disorderly,  and  will  not  be  reproved. 

(2.)  To  pay  the  stewards  what  he  has  received  of  his 
class  in  the  week  preceding. 

III.  General  Rules  of  the  Church. 

There  is  only  one  condition  previously  required  of  those 
who  desire  admission  into  these  societies — "  a  desire  to 
flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  to  be  saved  from  their 
sins."  But  wherever  this  is  really  fixed  in  the  soul  it  wiP 
be  shown  by  its  fruits. 

It  is  therefore  expected  of  all  who  continue  therein  that 
they  shall  continue  to  evidence  their  desire  of  salvation 
by  observing  the  following  rules  : 

1.  Evils  and  sins  to  be  avoided. 

d .)  By  doing  no  harrh.  by  avoiding  evil  of  every  kind, 
especially  that  which  is  most  generally  practiced ;  such  as 


GEXEJ^AL  J^CLES.  39 

(2.)  The  taking  of  the  name  of  God  !n  vain. 

(3.)  The  profaning  the  day  of  the  Lord,  either  by  doing 
ordinary  work  therein  or  by  buying  or  sci^ng.  Exod  20 
8;  Deut.  5.  14;   Exod.  34.  21  ;  Neh    "^    15-17. 

(4.)  Drunkenness,  buying  or  selling  spirituous  liquors, 
or  drinking  them,  unless  in  cases  of  extreme  necessity 
Prov.  20.  1  ;  Hab.  2.  15;   1  Cor.  6.  10. 

(5.)  Slaveholding ;  buying  or  selling  slaves.  Exod. 
21.  16;  Deut.  24.  7;  Isa.  58.6;  Matt.  22.  39  ;  Col. 
4.  1  ;   1  Tim.  1.  10. 

(6.)  Fighting,  quarreling,  brav/ling,  brother  going  to 
law  with  brother;  leturning  evil  for  evil,  or  railing  for 
railing ;  the  using  many  words  in  buying  or  selling.  Titus 
3.  2;   1  Cor.  6.  7:  Heb.  13.  5. 

(7.)  The  buying  or  selling  goods  that  have  not  paid  the 
duty.     Rom.  13.  7. 

(8.)  The  giving  or  taking  things  on  usury— that  is,  un- 
lawful interest.     Isa.  3.  15;   1  Cor.  5.  11. 

(9.)  Uncharitable  or  unprofitable  conversation  ;  partic- 
ularly speaking  evil  of  magistrates  or  of  ministers. 
Titus  3.  2;  2  Peter  2.  10;  I  Thess.  5.  12.  13;  Phil 
2.  29. 

(10.)  Doing  to  others  as  we  would  not  they  should  do 
unto  us.     Matt.  7.  12. 

(11.)  Doing  what  we  know  is  not  for  the  glory  of  God,  as; 

(a)  The  putting  on  of  gold  and  costly  apparel.  1  Tiro. 
2.  9. 

(b)  The  taking  such  diversions  as  cannot  be  used  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  1  John  2.  15,  16;  Rom.  6 
20-22;    I  Cor    10.  31. 

(c)  The  singing  those  songs,  or  reading  those  books 
vi/hich  do  not  tend  to  the  knowledge  or  lov«  of  God 
1  Cor.  15.  33  ;   Eph.  5.  15-19  ;  Col.  3.  17. 


40  PA'OBATJOXEI^'S   COJ/PAAVOA'. 

(d)  Softness  and  needless  self-indulgence.  Matt.  16 
2A  ;  Rom.  8.  13 ;  Col.  3.  5  ;  Gal.  5.^24. 

(c)  Laying  up  treasure  upon  eartiu  Matl.  6.  19-21; 
Mark  10.  25. 

(f)  Borrowing  without  a  probability  of  paying;  c-' 
taking  up  goods  without  a  probability  of  paying  for  them 
Psalm  37.  21;  Rom.  12.  17  ;   13.  8  ;  2  Cor.  8.  21. 

2.  Good  to  be  done. 

It  is  expected  of  all  who  continue  in  these  societies  that 
they  shall  continue  to  evidence  their  desire  of  salvation. 

(12.)  By  doing  good;  by  being  in  every  kind  merciful 
after  their  power ,  as  they  have  opportunity,  doing  good 
of  every  possible  sort,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  to  all  men. 
Gal.  6.  10. 

(13.)  To  their  bodies  of  the  ability  which  God  giveth, 
by  giving  food  to  the  hungry,  by  clothing  the  naked,  by 
visiting  or  helping  them  that  are  sick  or  in  prison.  Luke 
3.  11;  Rom.  12.  20;   1  John  3.  17. 

(14.)  To  their  souls,  by  instructing,  reproving,  or  ex- 
horting all  we  have  any  intercourse  with ;  trampling 
under  foot  that  enthusiastic  doctrine,  that  "we  are  not  to 
do  good  unless  our  hearts  be  free  to  it."     2  Tim.  4.  2. 

(15.)  By  doing  good,  especially  to  them  that  are  of  the 
household  of  faith  or  groaning  so  to  be  ;  employing  them 
preferably  to  others ;  buying  one  of  another ;  helping 
each  other  in  business ;  and  so  much  the  more  because 
the  world  will  love  its  own  and  them  only.  Gal.  6.  10  : 
1  Peter  2.  17. 

(16.)  By  all  possible  diligence  and  frugality,  that  the 
Gospel  be  not  blamed.     Rom.  12.  11;  John  6.  12. 

(17.)  By  running  with  patience  the  race  which  is  set 
before  them,  denying  themselves,  and  taking  up  their 
cross  daily  ;  submitting  to  bear  the  reproach  of  Christ-,  to 


GENERAL   RULES.  41 

DC  as  the  filth  and  offscouring  of  the  world;  and  looking 
that  men  should  say  all  manner  of  evil  of  them  falsely, 
for  the  Lord'o  uii.c.  Hcb.  12.  1  ;  Luke  9.  23  ;  1  Cor.  4. 
13;  Matt.  10.  24.  25. 

3.  Ordinances  to  be  observed. 

It  is  expected  of  all  who  desire  to  continue  in  these 
societies  that  they  shall  continue  to  evidence  their  desire 
of  salvation  by  attending  upon  all  the  ordinances  of  God  . 
such  are, 

(18.)  The  public  worship  of  God.     Psalm  100.  4. 

(19.)  The  ministry  of  the  word,  either  read  or  ex- 
pounded.    Matt.  10.7,  14;  Mark  6.  11. 

(20.)  The  Supper  of  the  Lord.     Luke  22.  19. 

(21.)  Family  and  private  prayer.  Jer.  10.25;  Matt.  6. 6, 

(22.)  Searching  the  Scriptures.     Acts  1  7.  1  1 

(23.)  Fasting  or  abstinence.     Matt.  6.  17,  18;    17.21. 

Conclusion. 
These  are  the  General  Rules  of  our  societies ;  all 
which  we  are  taught  ci  God  to  observe,  even  in  his 
written  word,  which  is  the  only  rule,  and  the  sufficient 
rule,  both  of  our  faith  and  practice  2  Tim.  3.  16,  17. 
And  all  these  we  know  his  Spirit  writes  on  truly  awakened 
hearts.  John  14.26;  16.  13.  If  there  be  any  among 
us  who  observes  them  not,  who  habitually  breaks  any  ol 
them,  let  it  be  known  unto  them  who  watch  over  that 
soul  as  they  who  must  give  an  account.  Matt.  18.  15-17; 
James  5.  19,  20.  We  will  admonish  him  of  the  error  of 
his  ways.  We  will  bear  with  him  for  a  season.  Rom.  1 5, 
1 4  ;  2  Thess.  3.15;  1  Cor.  13.4.  But  if  then  he  repent 
not,  he  hath  no  more  place  among  us.  We  have  de- 
livered our  own  souls.  1  Cor.  5.  5 ;  2  Thess.  3.  6; 
1  Tim.  6.  3-5:  Malt.  18.  15-17. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

MARRIAGE.  TEMPERANCE.  TOBACCO,  AND 
AMUSEMENTS. 

Rules  Relating  to  Marriage. 

WE  do  not  prohibit  our  people  from  marrying  persons 
who  are  not  of  our  Church,  provided  such  persons 
have  the  form,  and  are  seeking  the  power,  of  godhness ; 
but  we  are  determined  to  discourage  their  marrying  per- 
sons who  do  not  come  up  to  this  description.  Many  of 
our  members  have  married  unawakened  persons.  This 
has  produced  bad  effects ;  they  have  been  either  hin- 
dered for  life,  or  have  turned  back  to  perdition. 
To  discourage  such  marriages, 

1.  Let  every  preacher  publicly  enforce  the  apostle's 
caution,  "Be  ye  not  unequally  yoked  together  with 
unbelievers  "  (2  Cor.  6.  14). 

2.  Let  all  be  exhorted  to  take  no  step  in  so  weighty  a 
matter  without  advising  with  the  more  serious  of  their 
brethren. 

In  general  a  woman  ought  not  to  marry  without  the 
consent  of  her  parents.  Yet  there  may  be  exceptions. 
For  if,  (1)  a  woman  believe  it  to  be  her  duty  to  marry; 
if  (2)  her  parents  absolutely  refuse  to  let  her  marry  any 
Christian:  then  she  may,  nay,  ought  to  marry  without  their 
consent.  Yet  even  then  a  Methodist  preacher  ought  r.ot 
to  be  married  to  her.— Discipline,  ^^  36-38  (1896). 

Temperance. 

It  Is  required  of  all  to  refrain  from  "  drunkenness,  buy- 
42 


I 


MARRIAGE,    TEMPERANCE,  ETC.  \\\ 

ing  or  selling  spirituous  liquors,  or  drinking  them,  unless 
in  cases  of  extreme  necessity/' 

The  DiscipUne,  \  248  (1896),  prohibits  '■  the  buying, 
celling,  or  using  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage,  sign- 
ing petitions  in  favor  of  granting  license  for  the  sale  of 
intoxicating  liquors,  becoming  bondsmen  for  persons 
engaged  in  such  traffic,  renting  property  as  the  place  in 
or  on  which  to  manufacture  or  sell  intoxicating  liquors." 

Tobacco. 
Resolved,  The  General  Conference  advises  all  our  min- 
isters and  members  to  abstain  from  the  use  of  tobacco,  as 
injurious  to  both  soul  and  body  (1884). 

Amusements. 
The  Discipline  requires  us  to  avoid  "  such  diversions 
as  cannot  be  used  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  the 
singing  those  songs,  or  reading  those  books,  which  do  not 
tend  to  the  knowledge  or  love  of  God." 


CHAFFER  XII. 

ORDER  OF  BAPTISM. 

Then   the   Minister   shall   Speak  to  the   Persons 
TO  be  Baptized  on  this  Wise: 

WELL  BELOVED,  who  have  come  hither  desiring  to 
receive  holy  baptism,  you  have  heard  how  the 
congregation  hath  prayed  that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
would  vouchsafe  to  receive  you,  to  bless  you,  and  to  give 
you  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and  everlasting  life.  And 
our  J^ord  Jesus  Christ  hath  promised  in  his  holy  word  to 
grant  all  those  things  that  vje  have  prayed  for :  which 
promise  he  for  his  part  will  most  surely  keep  and  perform. 
Wherefore  after  this  promise  made  by  Christ,  you  musi 
also  faithfully,  for  your  part,  promise  in  the  presence  of 
this  whole  congregation,  that  you  will  renounce  the  devil 
and  all  his  works,  and  constantly  believe  God's  holy 
word,  and  obediently  keep  his  commandments. 

Then  shall  the  Minister  Demand  of  Each  of  the 
Persons  to  re  Baptized  : 

1 .  Dost  thou  renounce  the  devil  and  all  his  works,  the 
vain  pomp  and  glory  of  the  world,  with  all  covetous  de- 
sires of  the  same,  and  The  carnal  desires  of  the  flesh,  sc 
that  thou  wilt  not  follow  nor  be  led  by  them  ? 

Ans7cier.  I  renounce  them  all. 

2.  Dost  thou  believe  in  God  the  Father  Almighty. 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ;  and  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only- 
begotten  Son  our  Lord  ;  and  that  he  was  conceived  by 
tlie   Holy   Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary;   that  he  suf- 

44 


ORDER    OF  BAPTISM. 


45 


tered  under  Fontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead  and 
buried  ;  that  he  rose  again  the  third  day  ;  that  he  ascended 
into  heaven,  and  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the 
Father  Almighty  ;  and  from  thence  shall  come  again  at 
the  end  of  the  world,  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead  ? 

And  dost  thou  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost ;  the  Holy 
Catholic  Church,*  the  communion  of  saints:  the  forgive- 
ness of  sins ;  the  resurrection  of  the  body  ;  and  everlast- 
ing life  after  death  ? 

Answer.  All  this  I  steadfastly  believe. 

3.  Wilt  thou  be  baptized  in  this  faith  ? 
Ansivcr.  Such  is  my  desire. 

4.  Wilt  thou  then  obediently  keep  God's  holy  will  and 
commandments,  and  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days  of  thy 
life  ? 

Answer.  I  will  endeavor  so  to  do.  God  being  my  helper. 


*  The  one  universal  Churcli  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

RECEPTION  OF  MEMBERS. 

Form  for  Receiving  Persons  into  the  Church  as  Probationers, 

Those  who  are  to  be  received  into  the  Church  as 

Probationers  shall  be  called  forward  by 

name,  and  the  minister,  addressing 

THE  Congregation,  shall  say  : 

DEARLY  BELOVED  BRETHREN,  that  none  may 
be  admitted  hastily  into  the  Church,  we  receive  all 
persons  seeking  fellowship  with  us  on  profession  of 
faith  into  a  preparatory  membership  on  trial;  in  which 
proof  may  be  made,  both  to  themselves  and  to  the 
Church,  of  the  sincerity  and  depth  of  their  convictions 
and  of  the  strength  of  their  purpose  to  lead  a  new  life. 

The  persons  here  present  desire  to  be  so  admitted. 
You  will  hear  their  answers  to  the  questions  put  to  them, 
and  if  you  make  no  objection  they  will  be  received. 

It  is  needful,  however,  that  you  be  reminded  of  your 
'esponsibility,  as  having  previously  entered  this  holy 
fellowship,  and  as  now  representing  the  Church  into 
which  they  seek  admission.  Remembering  their  inex- 
perience, and  how  much  they  must  learn  in  order  to  be- 
come good  soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ,  see  to  it  that  they 
find  in  you  holy  examples  of  life,  and  loving  help  in  the 
true  serving  of  their  Lord  and  ours.  I  beseech  you  so 
to  order  your  own  lives  that  these  new  disciples  may  take 
no  detriment  from  you,  but  that  it  may  ever  be  cause  for 
thanksgiving  to  God  that  they  were  led  into  this  fellowship. 
46 


RECEPTION  OF  MEMBERS.  47 

Then  addressing  the  Persons  seeking  Admission  on 
Probation,  the  Minister  shall  say; 

Dearly  Beloved,  you  have,  by  the  grace  of  God,  made 
your  decision  to  follow  Christ  and  to  serve  him.  Your 
confidence  in  so  doing  is  not  to  be  based  on  an};  notion 
of  fitness  or  worthiness  in  yourselves,  but  solely  on  the 
merits  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  on  his  death  and 
intercession  for  us. 

That  the  Church  may  know  your  purpose,  you  will 
answer  the  questions  1  am  now  to  ask  you. 

Have  you  an  earnest  desire  to  be  saved  from  your  sins? 

Anszver.  I  have. 

Will  you  guard  yourselves  against  all  things  contrary 
to  the  teaching  of  God's  word,  and  endeavor  to  lead  a 
holy  life,  following  the  commandments  of  God  ? 

Answer.  I  will  endeavor  so  to  do. 

•Are  you  purposed  to  give  reverent  attendance  upon 
the  appointed  means  of  grace  in  the  ministry  of  the  word, 
and  in  the  private  and  public  worship  of  God  ? 

Ansziter.   I  am  so  determined,  with  the  help  of  God. 

No  objection  being  offered,  the  Minister  shall 
then  announce  that  the  Candidates  are  admitted 
as  Probationers  and  shall  assign  them  to  classes. 

Then  shall  the  Minister  offer  extemporary 
prayer. 

Form  for  Receiving  after  Probation. 

Then   Addressing  the  Applicants   for  Admission, 

the  Minister  shall  say: 

Dearly    Beloved,   you   are   come   hither  seeking   the 

great  privilege  of  union  with  the  Church  our  Saviour 

has  purchased  with  his  own   blood.     We  rejoice  in  the 


48  RECEPTIOX  OF  MEMBERS. 

grace  ol  God  vouchsafed  unto  you  in  that  he  has  called 
you  to  be  his  followers,  and  that  thus  far  you  have  run 
well.  You  have  heard  how  blessed  are  the  privileges, 
and  how  solemn  are  the  duties,  of  membership  in  Christ's 
Church;  and  before  you  are  fully  admitted  thereto,  it  is 
proper  that  you  do  here  publicly  renew  your  vows,  con- 
fess your  faith,  and  declare  your  purpose,  by  answering 
the  following  questions: 

1.  Do  you  here,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  of  this 
congregation,  renew  the  solemn  promise  contained  in  the 
baptismal  covenant,  ratifying  and  confirming  the  same, 
and  acknowledging  yourselves  bound  faithfully  to  observe 
and  keep  that  covenant  ? 

Aiis7uer.   I  do. 

2.  Have  you  saving  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ? 
Anszacr.   I  trust  I  have. 

3.  Do  you  believe  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures as  set  forth  in  the  Articles  of  Religion  of  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  Church? 

Aiisiaer.   I  do. 

4.  Will  you  cheerfully  be  governed  by  the  rules  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  hold  sacred  the  ordinances 
of  God,  and  endeavor,  as  much  as  in  you  lies,  to  promote 
the  welfare  of  your  brethren  and  the  advancement  of  the 
Redeemer's  kingdom  ? 

.-/;/.(•  74. rr.   I  will. 

5.  Will  you  contribute  of  your  earthly  substance,  ac- 
cording to  your  ability,  to  the  support  of  the  Gospel  and 
the  various  benevolent  enterprises  of  the  Church? 

Ans7urr.   I  will. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

FINAL   CONSECRATION. 

"Take  my  lile,  and  let  it  be 

Conseerated,  Lord,  to  thee. 

Take  my  moments  and  my  days; 

Let  tliem  flow  in  ceaseless  loraise. 

Take  nny  hands,  and  let  them  move 

At  the  innpulse  of  thy  love. 

Take  my  feet,  and  let  them  be 

Swift  and  '  beautiful '  for  thee. 

Take  my  voice,  and  let  me  sing 

Always,  only,  for  ziiy  King. 

Take  my  lips,  and  let  them  be 

Filled  with  niessages  from  thee. 

Take  my  silver  and  my  gold  ; 

Not  a  mite  would  1  withhold. 

Take  my  intellect,  and  use 

Every  power  asthou  shalt  choose. 

Take  my  will,  and  make  it  thine  ; 

It  shall  be  no  longer  niine. 

Take  my  heart,  it  is  thine  own  ; 

It  shall  be  thy  royal  throne. 

Take  my  love  ;  my  Lord,  I  pour 

At  thy  feet  its  treasure  store, 

Take  myself,  and  I  will  be 

Ever,  only,  ALL  for  thee."     f.  r.  h. 

HAVING  carefully  examined  my  heart  as  to  my  pur- 
pose and  faith,  ard  having  examined  the  Articles 
of  Religion  and  General  Rules  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  I  am  fully  determined  to  join  the  Church  and  to 
consecrate  my  life  and  powers  to  the  service  of  God. 
In  the  spirit  of  the  above  hymn  of  consecration,  by  the 
sainted  Miss  Havergal,  I  now  and  here  affix  my  name  to 
this  solemn  dedication  of  myself  to  God,  looking  unto 
him  for  strength  to  keep  me  faithful  in  his  service  so  long 
as  I  shall  live. 


Name. 


Date.  -.. 
10 


JOHN    BUXYAN    IN    BEDFORD    JAIL 


OUTLINE  STUDIES 

IN 

PILGRIM'S    PROGRESS 


|\|EXT  to  the  Bible  Pilgrims  Progress  is  the 
most  suggestive  and  spiritual  guide  for  the 
young  Christian.  It  only  needs  to  be  put  into 
modern  language  to  adapt  its  impressive  lessons 
to  our  own  daily  experience.  I  have  found  the 
study  of  this  book  very  helpful  to  probationers, 
especially  when  estpounded  and  applied  in  a 
series  of  brief  lectures. 

The  following  chapters — excepting  the  first, 
which  is  a  sketch  of  Bunyan's  life — are  intended  to 
be  studied  by  the  probationer  in  connection  with 
the  reading  of  Pilgrim's  Progress.  They  give  a 
condensed  synopsis  of  the  allegory,  pointing  out 
its  spiritual  teachings  and  applying  them  to  the 
reader's  own  case.  It  is  as  if  the  young  convert 
read  the  book  with  his  pastor  at  his  side  to  make 
suggestions  and  emphasize  its  truths. 


52  rROnATJONER'S  COMPAMON, 

As  the  book,  covers  the  Christian  Hfe  from 
awakening  to  glorification  it  is  i)rofitable  for  all 
who  are  trying  to  walk  in  **  the  way,"  probationers 
and  church  members  alike.  It  is  indeed  wonder- 
ful how  this  work  of  Bunyan  can  be  made  to 
teach,  warn,  inspire,  and  edify. 


I. 

Life  of  Bunyan  (Preliminary). 

T^O  study  wisely  this  wonderful  book  we  must 

*    know  the  author — one  of  God's  heroes.     His 

life  and  history  are  the  key  to  Pilgrim  s  Progress. 

1.  Born  NEAR  Bedford,  England,  1628;  died, 
London,  1688.  Humble  and  obscure  origin  ; 
probably  of  gypsy  blood.  As  boy  had  few  advan- 
tages. No  signs  of  greatness  in  youth.  Great 
men  often  from  humble  conditions.  Some  obscure 
boy  will  dream  out  a  book,  invention,  discovery, 
that  thrills  world.  (Franklin,  Stephenson,  Fara- 
day, Arkwright,  Hargreaves,  Edison.)  When, 
like  Bunyan,  obedient  to  God  they  conquer 
worlds. 

2.  Desperately  Wicked  Youth.  Tinker  by 
trade.  Soldier  at  seventeen  ;  cursing,  swearing, 
lying  youth.  At  nineteen  married  a  devoted  girl  ; 
the  young  tiger  tamed.  Dangerous  experiment 
for  a  Christian  girl ;  often  ends  in  broken  heart. 
Bunyan  and  wife  read  together  two  pious  books  of 
hers  ;  outwardly  he  reformed.  At  sport  on  Sab- 
bath, awakened  ;  resisted  the  Spirit ;  became  des- 
perately blasphemous  ;  rebuked  by  an  abandoned 
woman  ;  stung  and  silenced  ;  never  swore  again  ; 


.')4  PROBA  TJONER'S   COMPANION: 

became  moral.     Friends  amazed,  but  he,  only  a 
poor,  painted  hypocrite,  knew  nothing  of  Christ. 

3.  Conversion.  Conversation  of  three  pious 
women  led  to  inquiry.  Their  pastor  (Rev.  Mr. 
Gifford)  led  Bunyan  to  genuine  conversion.  Life 
now  founded  on  Bible.  Became  Baptist ;  no  close 
communion  views.  Severe  conflict ;  all  young 
converts  have  same.  Bunyan  immortalized  his 
trial  in  "combat  with  Apollyon;"  after  many 
temptations  slays  fiend  with  two-edged  sword. 
Conquers  by  intense  prayer  and  study  of  Bible. 
Clear  sky.  Henceforth  his  life  almost  unclouded 
peace. 

4.  Ministry.  Now  began  cottage  meetings. 
Still  a  tinker.  Wonderful  power  to  present  Christ. 
Audiences  increased.  Soon  called  to  preach. 
Reign  of  Charles  II,  frivolous  and  debauched. 
Bunyan  assailed  by  ridicule  and  condemned  at 
first,  then  slandered  and  abused  ;  but  the  people 
flocked  to  hear.  One  night  officers  arrested  him 
in  cottage  for  holding  unlawful  meetings.  Not 
authorized  by  Established  Church.  Imprisoned  ; 
shut  up  as  felon  because  he  did  not  use  prayei 
book.  Methodism  born  amid  such  bigotry. 
Thank  God,  the  day  is  past.  Bunyan  several 
times  offered  freedom  if  he  would  attend  English 
Church  and  stop  preaching.  His  heroic  reply  : 
"  If  I  was  out  of  prison  to-day  I  would  preach 


LIFE  OF  BUNYAN.  55 

the  Gospel  again  to-morrow,  by  the  help  of  God." 
With  wife  and  four  children  destitute,  suffering, 
would  not  sell  conscience.  Wife  would  not  let 
him  yield.  Separation  from  family  severe  trial, 
especially  his  "  poor,  blind  child."  "  Home  to 
prison."  Twelve  years  in  jail,  damp,  cold,  filthy. 
To  support  family  learned  to  make  tagged  lace. 

5.  Prison  and  Writing.  All  day  at  work  ; 
evening  brings  blind  daughter  to  carry  home  lace. 
Reads  Bible  ;  kneels  on  stone  floor  :  prays  with 
child  ;  kisses  her  good  night.  Not  alone  ;  a  rude 
lamp ;  Bible  Concordance.;  pen,  ink,  paper. 
Writes,  smiles,  clasps  hands,  looks  up,  blesses 
God.  Skies  shine  with  light.  Twelve  years  oj 
nights  with  God  in  jail !  Inspired  and  writes  ; 
beauteous  vision  glows  ;  flowing  on  paper  inhum- 
ing pictures.    Thus  Pilgrim* s  Progress  originated. 

1672  liberated  by  Richard  Carver's  claim  on 
king,  whom  he  (Carver)  carried  through  the  surf 
to  shore.  Bunyan  released,  began  preaching  again 
undisturbed.  Sixteen  years  of  glorious  work, 
winning  many  souls.  ,  In  1688,  in  London,  on 
errand  of  mercy,  died  of  fever.  Last  words, 
*'  The  blessed  sunshine  is  about  me  !  It  is  morn- 
ing.** 


II. 

Starting  for  Heaven. 

"What  shall  I   do   lo  be  saved?" 

"  piLGRIM'S    PROGRESS;"    an    allegory. 

*■  Christian  life  a  pilgrimage  ;  shown  by  variety 
of  pictures.  Christ's  method.  Book  deals  with 
reality  ;  not  rhapsodies,  but  real  experiences  of 
life.  Free  from  bigotry.  Written  in  bigoted  age 
by  a  Baptist,  yet  nothing  sectarian  ;  no  immersion 
taught ;  no  close  communion. 

I.  Awakened.  Book  opens  with  Pilgrim  walk- 
ing through  wilderness;  "clothed  with  rags" 
(sinful  nature)  ;  his  home,  City  of  Destruction  ; 
face  from  his  own  house  (starting)  ;  Bible  in 
hand;  burden  on  back  (sin);  reading,  weeping, 
trembling,  crying  "  What  shall  I  do  ? "  First 
question  of  awakened  soul.  Danger  felt ;  lost 
condition ;  told  his  family  ;  thought  him  de- 
ranged ;  got  him  to  bed  ;  night  of  tears  ;  morn- 
ing family  chide  and  ridicule.  Walking  in  field 
reading,  praying.  Evangelist  meets  ;  gives  Pil- 
grim roll  with  words  "  Flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come."  Whither?  Evangelist  points  to  wicket 
gate.  Word  of  God  shining  there  ;  Pilgrim  began 
to  run  ;  family  cry  after  him  to  return  ;  stops  his 
50 


STAK'J/XG   I'OR   JIEAVEX.  ,-,7 

ears,  ran  crying  "  Life,  life,  eternal  life  !  "     Neigh- 
bors mocked  and  threatened. 

2.  Ungodly  Friends.  Obstinate  and  Pliable 
overtake  him  ;  resists  Obstinate's  appeal  to  go 
back.  Ungodly  friends  try  ridicule  and  sneers 
to  turn  back  awakened  soul.  Resolute  purpose 
needed  ;  word  of  God  only  guide  now.  Obsti- 
nate leaves;  "crazy,  fanatical  fellow."  Young 
Christians  must  resist  worldly  companions  ;  yield 
to  them  you  are  lost.  Run,  run  for  wicket  gate  ; 
keep  eye  on  light  above  the  gate.  Stop  ears  to 
all  voices  ;  only  one  way  of  safety  to  wicket  gate. 
Reach  that  at  all  hazard.  Obstinate  cannot  give  u}) 
the  world.     Scoffs  at  Bible  ;  begs  Pliable  to  return. 

Pliable  represents  sentimental,  shallow  person. 
At  first  eager  ;  when  trial  comes,  no  strength. 

3.  Despondent.  Now  both  Christian  and 
Pliable  fall  suddenly  into  Slough  of  Despond. 
Lack  of  watchfulness  and  prayer.  Pliable  dis- 
couraged, struggles  out  and  returns  home.  Chris- 
tian because  of  burden  sinks  deeper  ;  struggles 
for  shore  next  to  wicket  gate.  Honest  seeker  ; 
no  going  back.  Help  came  to  him.  God  alway? 
sends  help  to  resolute.  Fear  of  Christian  made 
him  oblivious  of  solid  steps  through  the  Slough. 
These  are  God's  promises.  God's  help  drcM 
Christian  out  safely.  Now  on  solid  ground  Al 
ways  help  for  the  earnest. 


-9  PKOBATIONER'S   COMPANION. 

4.  Waylaid.  By  greater  danger  than  Slough 
of  Despond.  The  spirit  of  the  world.  Ridicules 
conviction  ;  sneers  at  evangelical  religion  ;  also 
at  Bible.  Recommends  morality  instead  of  reli- 
gion. Denies  atonement ;  says  morality  an  easy 
Hfe.  Burden  of  sin  fanaticism.  Christian  be- 
guiled under  the  thunders  of  the  law  ;  quaking 
with  fear.  Led  by  Evangelist  back  into  way. 
Always  counsel  with  pastor ;  every  wrong  step 
must  be  retraced :  but  Christian  reached  the 
wicket  gate  safely. 


III. 

The  Wicket  Gate. 

"  Enter  ye  in  at   the  strait  gate. ' 

CHRISTIAN  reaches  wicket  gate.     Entrance 
on  Christian  life, 

1.  Entrance  Gate.  Entrance  from  world  to 
salvation.  "/;?/^  kingdom  of  God.  '  Only  one 
way  in.  Repentance.  Sin  forsaken.  Probation 
gate. 

2.  Closed  Gate.  Gates  for  two  purposes  ; 
shut  out  evil,  shut  in  good.  Heaven  has  gates ; 
shut  out  wicked'  shut  in  saints.  Church  has 
gates  :  let  in  and  shut  in  penitent,  shut  out  un- 
worthy. Christian  found  gate  closed.  Over  gate 
written  "  Knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you." 
Ask  ;  seek  ;  knock.  Knocked  repeatedly. 
Prayer  is  knocking.  Prays  till  opened.  ''  Strive 
to  enter  in."  Determined.  Doubts  and  difficul- 
ties. Prays  harder.  Prayer  victorious.  Gate 
opened.  Who  here  ?  *' Poor  burdened  sinner." 
Admitted,  Pulled  in.  Darts  of  Satan  fly  at 
gate.     Many  smitten  and  fail. 

3.  Narrow  Gate.  No  room  for  sins,  vices. 
Room  for  penitent  burden.  Not  wide  enough  to 
carry  in  others.     Mother  cannot  take  in  children; 

59 


GO  PROBAl IONIUM'S  COMPANIO.^. 

nor  wife  husband.     Each  alone.     No  repentance 
nor  admittance  by  proxy. 

Christian  in.  Praises  God's  mercy.  Had  little 
class  meetings.  Bid  "  Look  before  thee.  See 
this  narrow  way  ?  "  That  the  way  you  must  go. 
"Straight  a>s  a  rule."  No  turning  to  lose  way? 
Yes,  many,  "  crooked  and  wide."  Right,  straight 
and  narrow.  Christian  asks  relief  from  burden. 
Young  Christians  often  expect  instant  relief  on 
entering  gate.  Discouraged.  Told  to  keep  on 
and  it  would  fall.  Importance  of  (i)  deep  convic- 
tion ;  (2)  resolute  purpose;  (3)  knowledge  of 
God's  word.  Reached  house  of  Interpreter 
(Holy  Spirit)  ;  "knocked  over  and  over."  P^ar- 
nest  seeking.  Seek  guidance  Holy  Spirit.  Candle 
lighted  ;  light  of  Holy  Spirit.  "  Private  room" 
(closet).  Shown  picture  godly  minister.  Guid- 
ing souls  by  Bible  to  heaven.  Beware  false 
guides.  Parlor  (heart).  Full  of  dust  (sin) 
Never  swept  (cleansed).  One  came  to  swee[ 
(Law).  Dust  flew  and  choked  Christian.  ])am 
sel  (Gospel)  sprinkled  water  and  room  cleansed 
Vivid  picture  of  Passion  and  Patience.  Impor 
tant  lessons.  Fireplace.  Satan  pouring  water  or, 
fire  (grace  in  heart).  Burns  higher  and  hotter. 
How  ?  Behind  is  Christ  pouring  oil  of  grace  ir 
heart.  Invisible  but  always  present.  Christ  wil 
supply  all  need. 


L 


IV. 

Burden  Gone. 

"  Peace  through  the  blood  of  the  cross." 

AST  Study  left  Christian  in  house  of  Inter 
preter  gazing  on  wonderful  scenes.  A 
few  more.  Palace  Beautiful.  Persons  walking 
clothed  in  gold.  Picture  of  saints.  Christian 
desires  to  enter.  Many  at  door  desiring,  but 
daring  not  to  enter.  Man  with  inkhorn  and 
book.  Armed  foes  at  door  opposing  entrance. 
Shows  present  conflict  and  glory  beyond.  Val- 
iant man  says  :  "  Set  down  my  name.**  Shows 
resolution.  Draws  sword  (word  of  God).  Puts 
on  helmet.  Rushes  on  armed  men.  Cuts  his 
way  through.  Enters  Palace.  Welcomed  by 
saints.  Christian  ravished  with  vision,  yearns  to 
go  on.  Shown  counterpart  of  former  vision. 
Man  in  iron  cage.  Despairing.  Backslider. 
Warning  to  Christian.  Yet  mercy  for  backslider. 
Repent  and  turn  to  God.  Good  men  often  de- 
pressed, but  delivered.     David.     Cowper. 

Next,  i)icture  of  judgment.  Man  unprepared, 
trembling.  Christian  solemnized  and  encouraged. 
Resumes  his  journey.  Way  narrow  and  walled 
with  salvation.  Burden  still  on  back.  Running 
on  till  saw  a  cross.  Just  as  he  reached  it  burden 
Gl 


63  PROBATIONER'S  COMPANION. 

fell  and  rolled  into  deep  sepulcher.  Saved  at  the 
cross !  Never  ceased  to  run  till  it  was  gone. 
Looked  and  wept  for  joy.  Three  shining  ones 
saluted  :  "Peace  be  to  thee/'  (i)  "Thy  sins  be 
forgiven  thee."  (Pardon.)  (2)  Stripped  of 
rags  ;  new  raiment.  (Regeneration.)  (3)  A  roll 
given  with  seal  upon  it.  (Witness  of  Spirit.) 
Roll  to  be  kept  till  he  reached  the  Celestial 
Gate.  Leaps  for  joy  and  sings.  Supreme  doc- 
trine here.  Looking  unto  Christ  crucified  is 
salvation.     Clear  conversion  and  assurance. 

Now  Christian  goes  lightly  and  joyfully.  Bur- 
den gone.  Reaches  valley.  Three  fettered  men 
asleep :  Simple,  Sloth,  Presumption.  Roused 
them.  Indifferent.  Fell  asleep  again.  Warn- 
ing to  young  Christians. 

Formalist  and  Hypocrisy  tumble  over  the  wall 
and  join  them.  Trying  a  short  cut  to  heaven. 
Such  Christ  denounces — "thieves  and  robbers." 
Christian  shows  his  robe,  mark  on  forehead,  and 
passport  for  Celestial  Gate  as  proof.  They  laugh. 
Christian  often  reads  in  the  roll;  refreshed. 

Hill  Difficulty.  Narrow  way  up  the  Hill. 
Christian  takes  this.  Two  other  ways  branch  ; 
one  Danger,  other  Destruction.  Companions  took 
these  wrong  ways.  Lost.  All  perish  who  leave 
narrow  way.  Who  seeks  ease  forsakes  the  way  to 
heaven.    Looks  pleasant  but  the  cnxl  destruction. 


V. 

Lions  In  The  Way. 

*'  There  is  a  lion  in  the  way." 

LAST  Study  left  Christian  ascending  Hill 
Difficulty.  Difficulties  test  character.  First, 
he  ran  (zeal).  Then  walked,  then  climbed  on 
hands  and  knees.  Everyone  must  chmb  this  hill. 
Duty  lies  over  it.  Cannot  go  around.  Whatevei 
the  difficulty,  must  conquer  it.  He  conquered 
only  on  his  knees.  Midway  a  pleasant  arbor  for 
weary  pilgrims.  Sat  down  to  rest.  Took  out  his 
roll.  Good  evidence  of  acceptance.  Spiritual 
pride  came  in.  Off  his  guard.  Fell  asleep.  Lost 
his  roll  (evidence).  Religious  sleep.  Dangers. 
Neglect  of  prayer  and  class  meeting.  Perils. 
Beginning  of  backsliding.  No  sleeping  car  on 
the  Christian  way.  Holy  Spirit  wakens  Christian. 
Started  out  of  sleep  ;  began  to  run  ;  reached  hill- 
top. Met  men  running  down  the  hill  going 
back  pellmell.  Backsliders.  Saw  lions.  Going 
down,  down  to  ruin.  Stop,  backslider !  Chris- 
tian disquieted.  His  assurance  gone.  Felt  ir 
bosom  for  roll  for  comfort.  Lost.  Lost  joy  and 
peace  found  at  the  cross.  Dare  not  go  on  with- 
out it.  Remembered  sleep.  Prayed  till  forgiven. 
63 


Gi  PROBAriOXERS    COM /'AAJOxV. 

Started  back  weeping  and  sigliing,  ''  O,  that  I  had 
not  slept!"  Reached  arbor  bowed  in  sorrow„ 
Found  the  lost  roll.  Put  it  in  his  bosom.  Great 
joy  and  peace  again.  Renewed  his  journey.  As- 
cends hill  with  assurance.  Night  comes  on. 
Had  lost  time  by  folly.  Lions  in  darkness,  yet 
went  on.  At  peace  now.  Sees  Palace  Beautiful. 
Pressed  forward  for  lodging.  God's  Church. 
Welcome  for  him.  Built  for  weary  pilgrims. 
Soon  way  became  very  narrow.  Here  saw  terri- 
ble lions.  Afraid.  Tempted  to  go  back.  Watch- 
ful at  gate ;  rebukes ;  says  lions  are  chained. 
This  is  the  pastor  of  church.  Lions  only  test 
the  faith  of  pilgrims.  These  lions  are  the  world 
And  the  devil  ;  crouch  at  church  doors  to  deter 
persons  from  joining.  All  lions  are  chained. 
Keep  in  the  middle  of  tlic  road  ;  they  cannot 
harm  you.     God  will  deliver  the  faithful 


I 


VI. 

The  King's  Palace. 

"  They  shall  culcr  into  the   King's   Palace." 

/CHRISTIAN  passed  chained  lions  safely. 
^-^  Cheered  by  vision  of  grand  palace.  Asked 
for  lodging.  Palace  for  ])ilgrims.  Represents 
the  Church.  The  "  porter,"  the  pastor.  The 
saintly  damsels,  counselors  of  pilgrims.  Chris- 
tian not  admitted  at  once.  Is  examined.  Tells 
his  experience.  Confesses  sleep  in  the  arbor. 
Watchful  rings  a  bell.  A  damsel  named  Discre- 
tion appears.  Christian  has  further  examination. 
Teaches  discretion  in  admitting  members.  Discre- 
tion represents  class  leader.  Admission  to  palace, 
joining  Church  in  full.  Christian  relates  expe- 
rience again.  Discretion  smiles  kindly  at  his 
eagerness  to  join.  Calls  Prudence,  Piety,  and 
Charity.  All  decide  to  admit  him.  "  Come  in, 
thou  blessed  of  the  Lord."  This  house  built  foi 
pilgrims.  Next  important  object  to  cross.  Who- 
ever enters  Wicket  Gate  should  enter  King's 
palace.  No  right  to  stay  outside  of  Church. 
Prodigal,  after  pardon,  enters  father's  house. 
Lost  sheep  brought  to  fold.  Pentecost's  thou- 
sands join  Church  same  day.  Baptism  door  of 
admission.  Jailer  baptized  night  of  conversion. 
5  65 


06  PROBATIONER'S   COMPANION. 

Eunuch  baptized  the  day  he  believed.  Christian 
now  member  of  palace  household.  Spent  evening 
m  jxperience  meeting.  Christian  recounts  three 
things  never  can  forget.  How  Christ  maintains 
grace  in  the  heart  by  picture  of  fire  kept  burning ; 
man  in  the  cage  of  despair  ;  dream  of  judgment 
Especially  his  sight  of  one  bleeding  on  the  tree. 
Grateful  to  be  in  the  Church.  Longs  for  a  better 
life.  The  past  filled  with  regret.  Temptations 
come,  but  desire  for  right  stronger.  Golden  hours 
of  victory.  Secret  of  triumph,  (i)  meditation  on 
the  cross  ;  (2)  looking  at  my  new  garment;  (3)  the 
roll  in  my  bosom;  (4)  burning  thoughts  of  heaven. 
Supper  announced.  This  the  Sacrament.  All 
partake.  Thoughts  on  Christ.  After  famil)/ 
prayers  retires  to  upper  chamber  called  Peace. 
Peace  of  God  fills  his  soul.  Next  morning  awoke 
and  sang  for  joy.  So  grateful  to  Christ  for  Church. 
Next  door  to  heaven.  Taken  into  the  study;  shown 
the  Bible.  Young  Christian  study  God's  word. 
Next  into  the  armory;  all  manner  of  armor.  Suf- 
ficient for  all  needs.  Armory  is  means  of  grace. 
Neglect  these,  piety  declines;  put  on  whole  armor. 
Showed  him  how  God  made  pilgrims  conquer  by 
weak  things.  Next  day  showed  him  Delectable 
Mountains ;  nearer  heaven.  Richer  blesnngs  fur- 
ther on.  All  grace  promised.  Glorious  prospects 
and  cheer.    'On  !   On  !    Heaven  is  before  you  I 


VIL 

Valley  of  Humiliation. 

The  valley  ot  the  shadow  of  death." 

•pWENTY-THIRD  Psalm,  the  nightingale  oi 
^  the  Psalms.  Christian  left  Palace  Beautiful 
and  vision  of  the  Delectable  Mountains  for  jour- 
ney. From  mount  to  valley.  Road  descends. 
True  to  life.  From  mount  of  rapture  to  valley  of 
trial ;  go  down  to  rise  higher.  After  Christ 
crowned  by  the  dove  at  baptism,  led  into  the 
wilderness.  Character  must  be  tested.  Trials 
are  drill  masters.  Power  of  God  to  deliver  al- 
ways.    Our  trial  seems  Satan's  hour. 

Christian  soon  met  Apollyon.  Debated  going 
back  or  standing  ground.  Remembered  no  armor 
for  back.  None  for  cowards  and  backsliders. 
Christian  resolved  to  stand  his  ground.  This, 
half  the  victory.  If  he  runs,  destroyed.  If  he 
stands,  conquers.  Monster  represents  Satan ; 
symbolic  description.  Satan  a  real  personality. 
Christians  tempted  because  fleeing  from  sin. 
Sinners  not  tempted  because  captives  of  Satan. 
No  need  to  tempt  them.  Satan  charged  on  Chris- 
tian as  deserter.  Then  tries  flattery  and  depicts 
dangers.  Christian  would  not  yield.  Christian 
67 


♦iS  PROBA  TJ ONER'S   COMPAiMOA. 

bravely  defies.  Apollyon  cries :  "  Prepare  to 
die."  Threw  a  flaming  dart.  Christian  quenched 
It  ou  shield.  Drew  his  Sword  of  the  Spirit.  Satan 
hurled  darts  thick  as  hail.  Darts  are  doubts, 
unbeliefs,  fear.  Conflict  fierce.  Christian  fell 
and  lost  sword.  Has  doubts  of  Bible.  Apollyon 
sprang  on  him  :  **  I  am  sure  of  thee  now."  Chris- 
tian got  sword  again,  and  was  strong.  Gave  Satan 
a  deadly  thrust.  Smote  again,  Apollyon  fled. 
Conquered  by  Shield  of  Faith  and  Sword  of  the 
Spirit.  Young  Christian,  keep  thy  sword.  Dili- 
gently study  Bible.  Christian's  wounds  healed 
at  once  by  leaves  from  Tree  of  Life.  Partook  of 
refreshment.  Resumed  journey  with  drawn 
sword.     No  enemies  appeared. 

Next  valley — shadow  of  death.  Way  to  heaven 
through  this  solidary  place  ;  represents  spiritual 
conflicts.  Bunyan  had  many  such.  Grandest 
souls  have  conflicts.  Satan  never  troubles  half- 
way Christians.  These  yield  to  the  world.  Have 
no  intense  conflicts.  Christian  meets  two  men 
flying  back  ;  urged  him  to  come.  Full  of  terrors ; 
portrayed  the  horrors  before  him.  Christian  un- 
daunted. Descends  with  drawn  sword.  Abraham 
in  this  valley  ;  Joseph  also  ;  Daniel,  Paul,  and 
Silas.  Lost  health,  or  fortune,  or  friends  may 
bring  on  spiritual  conflict.  Way  very  narrow 
now.     Or*    either   side   destruction.      Christians 


VALLEY   OF  HUMILIATION. 


00 


fight  ditch  and  quagmire.  Watch  against  worldly 
dangers.  Walk  by  faith.  Mouth  «f  hell,  belch- 
ing flame,  smoke,  hideous  noises ;  could  not 
smite  these  with  sword  ;  tx)ok  another  weapon  of 
prayer  :  "  O  Lord,  I  beseech  thee,  deliver  my 
soul."  Went  on.  Imagined  a  band  of  fiends. 
Resolved  to  go  on  :  ''I  will  walk  in  the  strength 
of  the  Lord  God."  Fiends  vanish.  Importunate 
prayer  triumphs.  Heard  a  voice  :  "  Though  I 
walk  through  the  valley,"  etc.  "  Thou  art  with 
me."  Found  other  pilgrims  in  valley.  Cheered 
by  company.  Emerges  into  life.  Great  joy 
when  sun  rose.     Now  walks  in  light. 


vin. 

Vanity  Fair. 

"Behold,  all  was  vanity." 

r^  HRISTIAN,  emerging  from  valley,  discovers 
^^-^  cave  of  two  giants,  Pope  and  Pagan.  Bones 
and  ashes  of  martyrs.  Pagan  dead.  Pope  de- 
crepit, but  showed  his  teeth.  Christian  and 
Faithful  journey  many  days.  Delightful  com- 
munion. Christian  hears  of  old  neighbors. 
Faithful  assailed  by  old  Adam  ;  struck  down  by 
secret  desire.  Had  perished  but  for  One  with 
holes  in  his  hands.  In  dark  valley  he  met  no 
Apollyon,  but  Discontent.  Could  not  be  turned 
back.  Severest  enemy,  Shame.  Tried  to  shame 
him  back.  Would  not  yield.  They  met  Talk- 
ative;  smooth,  oily  hypocrite.  "A  saint  abroad 
and  a  devil  at  home."  Hypocrite  no  Christian; 
man  of  the  world  in  guise  of  Christian.  When 
pressed  with  religious  questions,  left  them.  They 
meet  Evangelist.  Dear  friend,  welcome  helper. 
Portrays  Vanity  Fair ;  one  will  die  as  martyr. 
Sooner  reaches  heaven.  Vanity  Fair  the  world's 
pleasures  and  temptations.  Christian  now  in 
current  of  temptations.  True  Christian  lives 
above  world,  (iod's  word  is  rule  of  conduct 
70 


FAN/ TV  FAIR.  71 

World  no  friend  to  grace,  "  A  peculiar  people 
separate  from  sinners."  The  Fair  all  pomps, 
pleasures,  shows,  vanity.  Must  go  through  it, 
must  keep  separate  from  it.  Christ  so  tested  in 
wilderness.  The  two  enter  the  town  ;  theii  gar- 
ments strange ;  greatest  excitement.  Did  not 
change  garments  in  conformity  to  world.  Lan- 
guage strange  ;  not  the  talk  of  this  world.  World 
talks  of  dress,  money,  theaters,  dances,  pleasure. 
Christian  of  Christ,  Bible,  faith,  hope,  heaven. 
Refuses  to  patronize  the  Fair.  Would  not  par- 
take. Must  resist  fascinations;  stop  your  ears. 
Christian  would  not  buy  wares.  Ordered  arrested ; 
in  jail;  false  charges.  All  this  real  when  Bunyan 
wrote  ;  his  twelve  years  in  prison.  Never  com- 
promised. True  men  never  do.  Some  won  to 
Christ  by  pilgrims.  Faithful  fearless  and  reso- 
lute  after  mock  trial.  Denounces  the  Fair- 
Suffers  martyrdom  by  fire.  Behind  him  band  of 
angels  and  chariot  of  horses  waiting.  Soul  rose 
in  chariot  to  sound  of  trumpets  up  to  Celestial 
City.  Out  of  conflict  into  eternal  life.  Christian 
in  prison,  but  escaped.  On  his  way  soon.  The 
triumph  of  Faithful.     Glorious  victory  ! 


IX. 

Beacon  Lights. 

**  Holding  faith  and  a  good  conscience." 

GOVERNMENT  spends  millions  for  light 
houses.  Bible  and  experience  like  signal  fires. 
Men  wrecked  by  trampling  on  conscience.  Bun- 
yan  portrays  jugglery  of  conscience.  Christian 
on  his  journey  with  Hopeful,  a  convert  at  Vanity 
Fair.  They  meet  By-Ends.  Classes  of  hypocrites 
portrayed.  By-Ends  boasts  social  and  financial 
standing.  Many  such  to-day.  By-Ends  never 
religious  against  his  interest.  Likes  silver-slip- 
per religion.  Christian  talks  to  Sycophant.  Re- 
fuses company  to  hypocrite  unless  became  honest. 
Left  them.  Three  more  hypocrites.  In  the 
Church  for  mon::y  The  four  argue  it  is  right  to 
become  Christians  for  better  position,  more  money, 
and  rich  wife.  Flimsy  arguments.  With  one 
stroke  Christian  cleaves  it  in  two.  Hypocrites 
now  dumb  and  slink  away.  The  lesson  concerns 
motives  ;  none  but  high  motives.  Nothing  for 
self-consciousness.  New  temptations.  The  Hill 
Lucre.  A  silver  mine.  Tempted  to  speculate. 
Christian  refuses  snare.  Many  slain  ;  others 
maimed.     Christian's  leply,  *' Not  a  step  will  we 


UEACON  LIGHTS. 


73 


Stir,  but  keep  on  our  way."  Danger  of  love  of 
money.  Business  often  becomes  idolatry  ;  de- 
thrones Ciirist,  No  time  for  secret  prayer  or 
church  duties.  Poor  as  well  as  rich  in  danger 
of  loving  money.  Neither  spendthrift  nor  miser 
use  all  for  God,  Monument  of  Lot's  wife. 
Warning  against  looking  b*ack  to  world.  No 
turning  back  to  its  follies.  No  yielding  to  little 
sins.  Many  of  these  pillars  of  salt  in  modern  life. 
They  look  back.  The  world's  stronghold.  Pray 
against  it.  Cheering  beacon.  River  of  life ; 
peace,  joy,  holy  bliss.  Refreshed  ;  strong  in  God 
Went  on 


Doubting  Castle. 

"O  thou  of  little  faith,   wherefore  dost  thou  doubt?" 

pETER  had  no  reason  to  doubt.  Christ's  com- 
*-  mand  involved  his  help.  We,  less  reason. 
All  of  us  sometime  in  Doubting  Castle.  Despair 
result  of  doubt.  Tyrannizes  over  our  doubts  and 
fears. 

Christian  journeys  several  days  in  peace  along 
River  of  Life.  River  and  Narrow  Way  diverge. 
Keeps  the  Narrow  Way.  Road  rough.  Dis- 
couraged. Murmurs.  Discontent  with  God's 
ways  leads  to  doubts.  Bypath  Meadow  appears 
to  tempt.  Go  up  to  stile  to  see.  Coquets  with 
temptation.  Path  seemed  parallel  to  Narrow 
Way.  Looked  easy.  Went  over  the  stile.  Danger 
in  seeking  a  pleasant  path.  One  step  wrong, 
disaster  follows.  Overtake  man  and  ask  if  this 
the  way  to  heaven.  "Certain."  Bad  guide. 
Night  comes  on.  Darkness  and  strange  road. 
No  safety.  Bad  guide  falls  in  deep  pit  and 
killed.  Alarmed.  Terrible  storm.  Distressing 
anxiety.  Remorse  at  leaving  Narrow  Way.  Voice 
of  God  calling  them  back.  Easier  going  astray 
than  getting  back.     Sat  down  and  waited  for  day- 


DOUBTING   CASTLE.  75 

light.  Giant  Despair  comes.  On  enemy 's  ground. 
Arrest  for  trespass.  Cast  into  dungeon.  Remem= 
ber  these  Christians  had  forsaken  Narrow  Way. 
In  doubt  and  despair.  Many  ways  getting  into 
Doubting  Castle.  Unbelief.  Dallying  with 
temptation.  Neglect  of  prayer.  Neglect  means 
of  grace.  Neglect  Bible.  Pleasures  of  world. 
Some  bypath  then  allures.  Suffer  in  dungeon' 
for  days.  Giant  Despair  beats  them.  Remorse 
for  disobedience.  Conscience  severe.  Tempted 
to  suicide.     Many  allured  in  bypath  to  suicide. 

Christian  in  utter  despair.  Does  nothing  to 
get  out.  Not  once  had  he  prayed.  No  hope  but 
in  prayer.  At  last  return  to  weapon  of  all-prayer. 
Continue  all  Saturday  night.  Sunday  morning 
prayer  uncovers  Saviour's  face.  Christian  finds 
key  in  his  bosom  that  unlocks  every  door.  Name 
of  that  key,  "  Promise.'*  Tries  the  key.  Bolt 
flew  back.  Door  swung  open.  Free !  Outer 
door  flew  open.  Giant  awoke  and  pursued. 
Taken  in  a  fit.  They  escape.  Stop  not  until 
once  more  safe  in  Narrow  Way.  Erect  a  warn- 
ing to  others. 

Lessons,   i.  Never  depart  from  God's  way.     2. 
Watch  against  flowery  paths.     3.  Prayer,  way  of 
deliverance.     4.  God's  promise,  key  to  all  deliver 
•tnce. 


XI. 

Delectable  Mountains. 

"A  land  flowing  with  milk  and  honey." 

P  SCAPE  from  Doubting  Castle ;  restored  to 
-'— '  Way  of  Life,  next  experience  on  Delectable 
Mountains.  Out  of  despair  into  highest  joy. 
Sorrow  comes  from  leaving  Narrow  Way.  Need 
of  higher  conscience.  No  straying  if  we  follow 
Bible  guide.  Ways  of  world  always  lure  to  ruin. 
Christian  walked  watchfully  and  prayerfully  after 
Doubting  Castle.  This  led  to  Delectable  Moun- 
tains. Describes  sweet  experience  of  holy  living. 
Very  near  to  Christ.  Enjoying  rich  communion. 
Heavenly  bliss  in  Christ.  Shown  wonders  :  (i) 
Mountain  of  Error.  Precipice  of  Error  or  Heresy. 
Many  below  dashed  to  pieces.  Once  pilgrims, 
but  become  fanatics.  Victims  of- bypaths.  In 
poverty  ;  in  trouble  got  out  of  church.  Lost. 
(2)  Open  door  in  hill,  bypath  to  hell.  Door  for 
hypocrites.  Joins  church,  but  goes  to  Perdition 
by  side  door.  Never  reaches  Celestial  City.  (3) 
Ascended  Mount  Clear.  Telescope  of  Faith  in 
hand.  See  glory  of  Celestial  City,  end  of  their 
journey.     Never  doubt  again.     All  clouds  lifted. 

Filled  with  rapture      God  gives  true  Christians 

76 


DELECTABLE  MOUNTAINS.  77 

these  glimpses.  After  climbing  mountains  some 
day  will  see  it.  Keep  climbing.  Vision  girds 
with  strength.  Goal  of  journey  yonder.  Re- 
ceived clear  directions  to  the  city  as  they  went 
on.  "W  irn^d  not  to  sleep  on  Enchanted  Ground. 
(4)  Met  a  religious  dude  named  Ignorance.  Born 
in  land  of  Conceit.  Going  to  heaven  in  a  free 
and  easy  way.  Knew  it  all.  Several  of  him  in 
this  town.  Took  a  short  cut  for  heaven.  Will 
see  him  again.  Met  man  with  seven  devils. 
Apostate.  Dreadful  sight.  Next  came  to  two 
roads  parallel.  Stood  still.  Flatterer  offered 
to  guide.  Followed  him.  Soon  entangled  in 
net.  Flatterer  revealed  as  Deceiver.  Good 
EvangeHst  appears  with  whip.  Inquires  how 
they  came  there.  Confess  all.  Reminds  them 
of  note  given  by  Shepherds  to  guide.  They 
forget.  Chastised.  Conscience,  the  whip.  Snare 
broken.  Go  on  with  greater  caution.  Wine, 
beer,  amusements — nets.  Go  wrong  because  fail 
to  consult  the  Bible.  Met  fashionable  infidel. 
Laughs  at  their  journey  to  heaven.  Investigated 
for  twenty  years.  No  such  place.  See  value  of 
genuine  religious  experience.  Saves  from  cheap 
sophistries.  Tell  him  they  know.  Saw  it  from 
Delectable  Mountains.  Rejoicing  in  hope,  left 
the  infidel  sneering.  For  him  only  outer  dark- 
ness; for  them  awaits  the  City  of  God. 


Xll. 

End  or  thk  Journey. 

"Enter  ye  into  the  joy  of  your  Lord.** 

ESCAPED  from  mocking  Atheist.  Pursued 
his  journey.  Enchanted  Ground.  Drowsy. 
Hopeful  would  lie  down.  Christian  remembers 
warning  and  saves  Hopeful.'  Drowsy  piety  in- 
duces fatal  sleep.  No  sleep  on  journey  to  heaven. 
Air  of  world  perfumed  with  opiates.  Recounted 
experience.  Kept  awake.  Passed  Enchanted 
Ground.  Beulah  Land.  Next  place  to  heaven. 
Blissful  hope.  Unclouded  experience.  Heaven 
in  full  sight.  Shining  ones  walk  there.  Filled 
with  fullness  of  God.  Songs  of  heaven  heard 
there.  Heaven  begins  here.  Nothing  in  any 
language  surpasses  this  part  of  Pilgrim's  Prog- 
ress. Describe  Isaiah  42.  All  may  walk  in 
Beulah.  Now  presses  toward  City  of  God. 
Journey  near  its  end.  Glory  of  heaven  appears. 
Two  shining  ones  in  gold  raiment  become  com- 
panions. In  this  blissful  state  continue  to  the 
end.  Reach  the  river  Death.  Fearful  at  first 
of  waters.  No  other  way  to  the  Gate.  Enter 
the  waters.     Faith  of  Christian  weak.     Begins  to 

sink.     Faith   of  Hopeful   strong.     He  feels  tlie 

78 


END   OF   THE  rOURNEV.  79 

bottom.  He  cheers  Christian.  Light  breaks  in 
soul  of  Christian.  Sees  Christ's  face.  Christian 
found  bottom  after  vision  of  Christ's  face.  Rest 
of  the  way  river  shallow.  Crossed  in  triumph. 
Welcomed  by  Shining  Ones.  Escorted  by  angels 
to  gate  of  heaven.  Mortal  bodies  gone.  Mount 
on  wings  to  Celestial  City.  Rapturous  com- 
munion. Heavenly  host  meets  them.  Shout  for 
joy.  Heaven  resounds  with  welcome.  Convoyed 
by  angels,  golden  trumpets,  and  anthems,  reach 
the  shining  Gate.  Above  the  battlements  look 
shining  beings.  Knock  at  gate.  Passports  de- 
manded. King's  passport  alone  admits.  Pull  roll 
out  of  their  bosom.  Here  is  passport.  King 
examines  and  commands  gate  to  be  opened. 
Joyful  hour.  Reward  of  the  long  journey. 
Heaven's  gates  open  to  inclose  them.  Clothed 
In  gold  raiment,  harp  and  crown.  All  the  bells 
ring  for  joy.  Home,  home  forever.  Just  here 
Ignorance  crossed  the  River  of  Death.  Reaches 
Gate  and  knocks.  Passport  demanded.  Had 
none.     Speechless.     Cast  into  outer  darkness. 

Young  Christians,  have  you  the  passport  ?  If 
you  have,  it  means  heaven.  If  you  have  not, 
outer  darkness. 


UWWU        L.ILJI\lll\t 


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UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


B     000  007  901     2 


